Vernon M. Nafziger, 77, River St. died Monday night at Lewis County General Hospital after a short illness.

He was born in the Town of Martinsburg March 7, 1932 to Menno and Marie Jantzi Nafziger . He attended Town of Martinsburg Country school and Lowville Academy.

He married Maxine Widrick June 10, 1954 at the 1st Mennonite Church of New Bremen with the Rev. Gordon Schrag officiating. They operated the family farm on the West Rd and a farm in Denmark. Vernon also drove bus and was a custodian at Lowville Academy and Central School. 

He was a former member of the Martinsburg Fire Dept. He enjoyed collecting coins and stuffed gorillas. He loved bluegrass music and enjoyed travelling to bluegrass festivals, playing cards and puttering around the house.

He is survived by his wife, of Lowville; a son Stephen, Greenville, SC; a daughter and son in law, Lori and Scott Snyder, Lowville. He is also survived by a brother and his wife Warren and Elsie, Martinsburg and a sister Shirley Steria, Lowville. He also has nine grandchildren and 14 great – grandchildren.

He is predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Bobbie Jean Nafziger, in 2009 and two brothers-in-law, Gerald Widrick and Ronald Hills, both in 2007.

A prayer service will be held Thursday November 5, at 9:30 am at the 1st Mennonite Church of New Bremen followed by burial in the church cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am at the church followed by a meal in the fellowship hall. Calling hours will be Wednesday at the church from 2-4 and 7-9.

Memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or the 1st Mennonite Church Bldg fund.