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Vernon DeVere Robertson, 95, died August 9, 2008. He was born on a farm near Valley Falls, Kansas, on February 5, 1913, near one which his great-great-grandfather had purchased form the Osage Indians in 1856. His parents were Thomas Jefferson and Norah Maren Jones Robertson. Some of his fondest memories are of farm life which he experienced while visiting both his grandparents' farms. As a result of his father's wholesale poultry business, Vernon and his brother Howard moved to various towns in Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska; then as teenagers the boys and their parents finally settled in Kansas City, Missouri. As a young man, Vernon learned the meat cutting trade which became the basis for his future. In 1933 he married Stella Louise Hester and together Kansas City became their home until 1950 when they opted to move to Albuquerque, largely for her health. Once here he worked for a number of grocery stores, either managing them or their meat departments until he opened the Meat Block, where he established a very loyal clientele. In 1970 he sold that business and retired. He and Stella then spent a great deal of time traveling in trailers or motor homes. Upon Stella's death in 1984, he married Marjorie Gehrke who likewise shared his love for traveling in the West, and the two of them then continued exploring national parks, their favorite always being Yellowstone. As a result of his marriage to Marjorie he gained two sons and their families, who embraced him with their love and kindness and provided him the opportunity to spend extended periods in both New Hampshire and New Zealand. Upon Marjorie's death, he moved into his son Bill's casita where he remained until his death. Survivors include his only son, Bill Robertson of Albuquerque; two stepsons, Alan Gehrke and wife, Marcia of Hampton, New Hampshire, Jerry Gehrke and wife, Liz of Hamilton, New Zealand; as well as four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Arrangements/Services are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109 (505) 821-0010 www.danielsfuneral.com
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