Vernon's nickname was "Deak," short for Deacon, a moniker earned in his youth for reasons unknown. Vernon worked in the steel mills of Gary, Indiana, before moving to Franklin and being co-owner of Turney's Shoe Store on Main Street, along with his brother-in-law, Bob Tranter. They changed the name to Smith and Tranter. When Vernon bought out Bob's half of the business, it became Smith's Shoe Store. Hazel and Vernon worked side-by-side, making good living. Their home was at 1021 E. King Street.

After retirement, Vernon and Hazel moved to Lehigh Acres, Florida. There Vernon drove his golf cart to the links daily while Hazel tended to her colorful garden and had frequent bridge parties.

After Hazel's death, Vernon was contacted by an old friend from high school, Ethel Teeples. They were married in 1972 and Vernon moved back to Gary, which was her home. Although Vernon continued to call Ethel "Hazel" by mistake, she loved him dearly and took excellent care of him till his death of arteriosclerosis. She died a few months later.

Vernon was a good man and a kind-hearted soul who is missed by all who knew him. His son, E.V., calls him, "The finest man I ever knew."592