Vernon K. Pumphrey Sr.

Vernon Pumphrey, 81, of Severn, MD, devoted husband and father, departed this life on Sept. 22, 2012. Mr. Pumphrey was born February 1, 1931, son of the late Thomas H. and Louise (Stinchcomb) Pumphrey. He was raised in Millersville and lived there until 1995 when the family moved to Severn, MD. Mr. Pumphrey is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary (Drury) Pumphrey, two sons, Vernon Jr. and wife Yvonne of Pasadena, MD, and Roger and wife Connie of Crownsville, MD. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas and LeRoy, and one sister, Dorothy Chaney. Mr. Pumphrey was a proud veteran of the US Army having served with the 32nd Antiaircraft Division of the Artillery Brigade and was stationed in London, England during the Korean War. He was also a long-standing member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (Local 37) and the Masonic Lodge of Free Masons. Mr. Pumphrey was a retired tower crane operator who was employed in the construction industry for many years on such jobs as Morris Mechanic Theater in Baltimore, the Hirshhorn Museum, and the National Air & Space Museum, both in Washington, DC, as well as many other large projects. Mr. Pumphrey was a hardworking man who built the home in Millersville that he and his wife would occupy for 38 years and where they would raise their sons. He took pride in his large vegetable gardens and was accomplished at most construction and mechanical projects.