Vern Cardon, 81, of Nine Mile Falls, Washington, passed away on August 8, 2026. He was born in Logansport, Indiana, to William Harold Cardon and Geraldine Helen Cardon.

After World War II, Vern's family moved to Hamilton, Montana, eventually settling in Missoula, where he completed elementary and high school. He worked on his father's farm throughout his childhood, using his earnings to help fund his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. He went on to graduate from the University of Montana in 1968.

It was in Missoula, at the Stop and Go drive-in on Highway 93, where Vern met the love of his life, Mary Lynn, known to everyone as "Bunny." The two married in 1968, beginning a partnership that would carry them across the country and through a lifetime of adventure.

Vern joined the United States Air Force, where he trained as a pilot in Del Rio, Texas — the same year his son, Jason, was born. He was later stationed at Travis Air Force Base flying C-141s, where his daughter, Jaime, was born. Over the course of his military career, Vern served in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam and Desert Storm, flying C-141s and later C-5s. He served ten years of active duty and twelve years in the reserves, retiring from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Concurrent with his military reserve service, Vern joined Western Airlines, which later became Delta Air Lines, where he flew 737s for 24 years until his retirement as Captain.

In retirement, Vern and Bunny settled in Nine Mile Falls, Washington, where he pursued what he often called his biggest passion of all: his grandchildren. He would do anything for them, and in his eyes, they could do no wrong. He made it a point to attend every game, dance recital, gymnastics meet, and school event he possibly could, and always made sure his grandkids had everything they could possibly need. He cherished every moment spent with Kate, Andrew, Karley, Taylor, and Joe.

Vern's Catholic faith was a deep and guiding part of his life. He was baptized in 2006, and went on to become active in nearly every corner of parish life. He served as a Eucharistic minister and usher, and was a member of Assumption's Retired Men's Group. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and went on several pilgrimages as a follower of Christ. His faith was central to who he was.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, William Harold Cardon and Geraldine Helen Cardon.

Vern is survived by his wife, Bunny; his son, Jason, and daughter-in-law, Kari; his daughter, Jaime, and son-in-law, Billy; his grandchildren, Kate, Andrew, Karley, Taylor, and Joe; and his brother, Bill, and sister-in-law, Betty Jane, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vern's life was one of hard work and determination — from farm boy to military pilot to airline captain — but it was always his family that mattered most. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Rosary will be held Friday, August 28th at 6:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 29th at 11:00 AM, both at Assumption Parish, Spokane, WA. A reception will follow at Assumption Parish, with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to "Assumption Parish Capital Campaign" or charity of choice