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Vernon Edward Brumm, 86, of Battle Creek, Michigan died Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.
Vernon was born November 28, 1939, in Kalkaska, Michigan, the son of Claude and Eva (Shepardson) Rowley. Vernon was raised by his adopted parents, Carter Brumm and his wife. He grew up in Vermontville. Early in life he worked on a cow farm. He retired from St. Regis Paper Company, formerly known as Michigan Carton Company, after 39 ½ years of dedicated service.
Vernon Edward Brumm was united in marriage to Margaret Elizabeth Whitehurst on April 6, 1963, at Hope Church of The Nazarene in Battle Creek. Vern was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy January 21, 2020. Surviving are three daughters, Liz Lawton, Elaine (Gordon) Blunt, Laurel (Bill) Zalewski all of Battle Creek; five grandchildren, Eric Lawton, Kathryn Lawton, Gordon (Jenni) Blunt II, Travis (Ashley) Craddock, Meghan (Robert Lofquist) Craddock, Shelby (Alex) Quartermaine; ten great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Vernon was also preceded in death by his parents, adopted parents and siblings, Claude, Cora, Ingrid, Charlie, David; a son-in-law, Daryel Lawton; and a grandson, Eric Lawton.
Vern was a member and helped build Hope Church of The Nazarene. He was involved in the church for most of his life. He drove the Doris Klaussen bus. Vern enjoyed watching high school football, auto racing, at the track and on TV, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed Christian Music Concerts; his favorites were the Thurston’s and Blackwood Brothers. He drove his kids nuts, making them watch Lawrence Welk with him. He loved camping with his family and sharing activities at the Indian Lake Nazarene Campground. He enjoyed spending Sunday afternoons and eating snacks with his family at “Grandma Barbara Whitehurst” home. Vern will be remembered for his strong faith in God and love for his family.
Friends will be received 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 29th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Friends will also be received from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, at First Church of the Nazarene, (12866 Beadle Lake Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49014) where a service to celebrate Vernon’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday. Committal and interment will follow at West Pennfield Hicks Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mott’s Children’s Hospital, 1540 E Hospital Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care
Thursday, April 30, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
First Church of the Nazarene
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
First Church of the Nazarene
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Hicks Cemetery (Pennfield Township)
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