Vernon A. Brisson

Vernon A. Brisson, age 94, of Richmond, VA passed away Sunday, June 21, 2015.
He was born November 18, 1920 in Calumet, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arlene (Smith) Brisson in 2006; four brothers, Eldon Brisson, James Brisson, Norman Brisson and Carl Brisson.

He is survived by two sons, Douglas Brisson and wife Lanni ; Keith Brisson and wife, Lynn; nine grandchildren, Amber (Gabriel) Vernon, Marcia (Casey) VanCamp, Alisha (Todd) Stamper, Linda (Nick) Peterson, Rachel Brisson, Spencer Brisson, Jacob Brisson, Heather (Tom) Orth and Brandon (Heather) Lutz; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Barth Sites and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Brisson was a U. S. Navy veteran rated as a Quartermaster, Photographic Interpreter, and Draftsman, retiring in 1963 after almost 22 years of service. At the start of the U.S. entry into World War II, he was on the minesweeper USS Cormorant, countering German U-Boats along the Atlantic Seaboard and in the Caribbean. He was later transferred to the Pacific Theater where he participated in numerous campaigns including the invasion of Okinawa and served aboard several ships including the flagship USS Appalachian. After a brief return to civilian life at the end of the war, Vernon reenlisted in the Navy and saw assignments with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, Washington Naval Yard, DC; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and finally at US Atlantic Command in Norfolk, VA where he worked in the War Room during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Upon retiring from the Navy, he became a draftsman in the Mapping and Appraisal Division of the Virginia Department of Taxation for 21 years supporting the update of property and land records across the Commonwealth. After full retirement, he performed volunteer work at the 80th Division (Training) Army Reserve. He had been a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. For much of his life, he was an avid builder of model ships and planes where he applied his draftsman skills to creating realistic craft. He enjoyed yard work and having a good time with friends and acquaintances.

Family will receive friends Friday, June 26, 2015 from 7 -9 p.m. at the Schaeffer Funeral Home. A cerebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the Schaeffer Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Shyrl Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Maple Hill Cemetery with full Military honors by the U.S. Navy and Petersburg VFW Post 6454.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Henrico Humane Society, P.O. Box 28014, Richmond, VA 23228.

Cemetery Details