Funeral Services for Vernon Nightingale, age 99, of Fairview,  will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 4, 2024 at the Church of God In Christ Mennonite of Fairview.  The Reverends Matt Levings will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Cedar Cemetery.  Arrangements are by Fairview Funeral Home, Inc.

Vernon J. Nightingale was born to Joseph and Sarah Schmidt Nightingale on February 17, 1925, at Homestead, Oklahoma.  He peacefully passed away at the Fairview Fellowship Home on October 1, 2024, reaching the age of 99.  We as a family were looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday in February.

Dad spent his entire life in the Fairview area.  He received his education at Independence School. Dad gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on April 11, 1939, by Minister Harry Wenger. He remained faithful to the Lord until his death.  On May 25, 1947, Dad married the love of his life, Sophia Nightingale, at Chickasha, Oklahoma.  They shared life's joys and sorrows for 60 years until Mom's passing on January 28, 2008.  Their home was blessed with five daughters and one son.

Dad loved to work.  As a young man, he and his brother took care of mowing and maintaining the church yard and cemetery with a home built self-propelled mower.  Throughout life, Dad provided well for his family. He was a lifelong farmer and dairyman, dairying until 75 years of age and farming until he was 92.  Dad enjoyed volunteering his time, willingly serving in the congregation and on CDR projects.  Church attendance was especially important to him.

On May 13, 2017, Dad moved into the Assisted Living in Fairview.  He thoroughly enjoyed his seven years there, and after declining health, spent his last eleven weeks in the Fairview Fellowship Home. Vernon  is  survived  by  three  daughters  and  one  son:   Arletta Nightingale of Moundridge, Kansas; Florine and Norman Penner of Mayfield, Kentucky; Delbert and Irene Nightingale of Fairview, Oklahoma; and Twila and Lester Penner of Landmark, Manitoba; two sons-in-law:  David Schmidt of El  Campo, Texas; and Ric Groene of Fairview, Oklahoma; 15 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren; a sister Mildred Penner; and sisters-in-law Delores Nightingale, Arvilla Nightingale, and Carolyn Nightingale.

He was predeceased by his wife, two daughters Phyllis Groene and Dianna Schmidt, one granddaughter Kristi Schmidt, four brothers, and two sisters.

Memorials may be made to the Vernon Nightingale Memorial with Fairview Funeral Home, Inc., acting as custodian.

As a family, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Fairview congregation, and to the staff at the Assisted Living, the Fairview Fellowship Home, and the Fairview Hospital for the excellent care and love shown to our Dad.

Condolences may be made online at www.fairviewfuneralhomeinc.com .