Vern “Ferd” Dale Bland, age 83, of Casey, IL passed away at 6:55 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016 at Heartland Nursing Center, Casey, IL. He was born March 29, 1933 in Casey, IL the son of Oakley “Oak” Bland and Mary Annis McMillan Bland. On July 7, 1974 he married Sheila M. Wilson in Casey, IL.

Survivors include his wife of forty-two years, Sheila Bland of Casey, IL; sons, Greg (Somet) Ashley of Fort Bragg, NC and Christopher Ashley of Indianapolis, IN; five grandchildren; his in-laws, Jim Wilson of Casey, IL; Debbie Siegrist of Miami, OK; Suzanne Bland of Greenup, IL and June Bland of Greenup, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert “Pepper” Bland, William “Bill” Bland, Jim “Red” Bland, Doit Bland, Jerald “Jello” Bland and Donald “Don” Bland; sister, Imogene Lewis and an infant son, Vernie Dale Bland.

Vern was a US Army Korean war veteran. He was a member of the Greenup VFW and Greenup American Legion. Vern set up implement machinery for John Deere for over thirteen years. He was a former owner of the Bottle House during the 1960’s and 1970’s and he managed the Casey Moose in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Vern bought Oak Grove Lodge where he held many family gatherings. One of his greatest enjoyments was playing cards. Vern had his own kitchen where he canned vegetables he grew from his town and country gardens. What he didn’t use he gave away. Vern was not known for attending church but he took comfort and pride in his baptism on October 13, 2006.

Funeral services will be conducted at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Markwell Funeral Home with Pastor Brian McCreanor officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday prior to the service at the Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL. A private burial will be conducted.

Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Nursing Center, PO Box 10, Casey, IL 62420.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home, Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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