Vern Wesley Comstock, 92, of Hamilton, IL passed away on August 7, 2014 at River Hills Village in Keokuk, IA.

Vern was born August 31, 1921 in LaHarpe, IL, the son of Floyd & Ruby (Bainter) Comstock. He grew up in the LaHarpe area, attended elementary school at Gillead and graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1939.

Vern proudly served his country in WWII from 1942-1945. He was a part of the Normandy Invasion on Omaha Beach. He served as mail clerk in the 8th Cavalry Reconnaissance troop in France, Luxemburg, Holland, and Germany. He drove 43,000 miles with his army jeep during his daily delivery of mail to the troops. He remained with his unit until the wars end. He enjoyed renewing friendships he made during the war and attended several 8th Cavalry Recon Reunions.

When he returned home from the war, he began farming and married Darlene Little. He began his life as a farmer in the LaHarpe area, later moving to Hamilton; he had a lifelong passion for farming.

Vern was active in community service, serving on the Western Illinois Electrical Coop Board for twelve years, a director on the statewide Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, Harmony Mutual Insurance Board, Monmouth Production Credit Association, the LaHarpe Hospital Board and the Elm Grove School Board.

Vern was an avid pool and billiards player during his life and enjoyed visiting with his friends and neighbors.

Vern was a member of the LaHarpe Methodist Church for many years before moving to Hamilton, IL in 1971 where he joined the Hamilton Methodist Church.

Vern and his son Max of Springfield, IL traveled to Washington, DC with other WWII veterans in May 2013 on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.

Vern is survived by his wife Darlene, of 69 years, daughter Jeanne (Neil) Bennett of Iowa city, son Max (Linda) Comstock of Springfield, IL, four grandchildren, Gwen Bennett (Tom Rogers) of Barrington, IL, Nicole Bennett (Michael Nguyen) of Atlanta, GA, Angela Comstock of San Ramon, CA, Phillip (Kristy) Comstock of Springfield, IL and Gregory Comstock of Grass Valley, CA; four great grandchildren, Griffen and Liem Bennett-Nguyen, Ariana and Kenzie Comstock; and one cousin, Mardell (Lloyd)Best of Springfield, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Don Riley and Nicholas Gleason officiating. Burial, with military rites, will immediately follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery. A visitation will be held Monday night from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. A memorial fund has been established for the Lee County Hospice, River Hills Village, and the Hamilton Methodist Church.