And, what does the Lord require of you? To love justice and mercy and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, Colonel Vernon A. Sevier USAF, Ret., passed away peacefully and went home to his Lord and Savior. He was the son of the late Crawford Sevier and Eva Sevier (nee Mahr). He was the husband of the late Nancy Sevier (nee Matthews). He was the beloved father of Dr. Linda Sevier, Frances Brown (Paul), Vernon Sevier, Jr. (Marcia), and devoted grandfather to Matthew Brown (Elizabeth), Caroline Brown, Grace Sevier (Kirby), and George Sevier.

Vernon was born in Baltimore, Maryland in December 1933. He was a proud 1951 graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnical High School A course. He was a 1955 graduate of the University of Maryland, where he also received a Masters degree in 1969, and a PhD in 1979. Upon college graduation, he received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC program. He underwent primary pilot training at Stallings AFB, NC in 1956, and successfully completed basic training at Reese AFB in Texas, and advanced training in the B-47 at McConnell AFB in Kansas in May 1957. He rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the 341st Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB in Texas. After release from extended active duty in 1958, he returned to Maryland. In 1959, he became a member of the Maryland ANG as a pilot, where he held many positions in the 135th Tactical Airlift Group.

Vernon grew up with great involvement in the Baltimore YMCA. He always had a great interest in health and physical fitness. He was an avid swimmer, weightlifter, and runner.

He was a member of the University of Maryland Gymkana Troupe. He ran several marathons, including the Boston Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, and several Maryland marathons. Upon returning from military service, he had a distinguished 21-year civilian career as a YMCA executive. He was a prominent member of the Towson community for many years, especially during his tenure as the Executive Director of the Towson YMCA. He was a trail blazer in the field of health and fitness for all people.

In March 1976, he became a full-time member of the Maryland Air Guard. In May 1987, he was named Deputy Commander for Operations. He was promoted to Colonel in December 1987 and was named Commander of the 135th Tactical Airlift Group in July 1989. He completed service in the Air National Guard in March 1993. He was named Brig. General (Brevet) in August 1996 by the state of Maryland.

Retirement did not last long before Vernon assumed the position of Director of the Maryland Free State Challenge Program in 1993. Maryland was one of 10 states to adopt this program, and Vernon was its first leader. A cooperative effort with the Maryland National Guard, Free State Challenge provides education, job training, health and fitness training, self-discipline, positive values, and other life skills to at-risk youth in a structured environment to help them achieve personal accomplishment and future success. He spent 8 years at Free State Challenge before fully retiring in 2000.

Flying was his number one passion. He amassed some 12,000 hours in aircraft such as T- 28, C-45, B-25, B-47, HU-16, U-10, O-2, C-131, C-7, and C-130. The C-130 was, without a doubt, his favorite! He held the Aeronautical rating of Command Pilot. He holds many military decorations including the Air Force Legion of Merit, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon.

Vernon was all about service to his community, his country, and his church. He grew up at St. John's Methodist Church in Hamilton. Upon returning from active duty, he and his family moved to Towson, where he was a very active member of Towson United Methodist Church from 1959 until his illness prevented his involvement. Until his death, he asked daily if he was going to church today! He held almost every church position a lay person can hold. He will be most remembered for his work with the Mission Work Area… blood drives, food drives, homeless shelters, Carpenter's Kitchen, Wounded Warriors projects, and many domestic and international relief efforts. He was famous for saying: "If you are going to talk the talk, you better walk the talk!!" Additionally, he was an active member of the Towson Rotary Club with over 50 years of service and perfect attendance! He could be seen around town every Christmas, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. He served on the board of the Patriots of Fort McHenry. In retirement, he flew many hours with the Maryland Wing Civil Air Patrol. He inspired and mentored many cadets and led many to military service. He encouraged many young people to pursue advancement in their careers and seek continued and higher education. He sponsored numerous scholarships to assist many in those efforts. He was known to be a great mentor and leader. In retirement, he was busier than ever with his many volunteer involvements. He also loved to fly his little Cessna that he shared with three other fly buddies.

He was incredibly proud of his three children and their accomplishments. He was a great champion of education. He loved his son-in-law and daughter-in-law. His four grandchildren were his greatest joy. He adored them and loved to spend time with them. Though he was a rule-driven dad, he was known to be a soft touch around his grandchildren! He was a most loyal friend. His legacy is great, and he will be greatly missed. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

The family will greet friends on Friday, August 15, 2025 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM at the Ruck's Funeral Home in Towson. Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Towson United Methodist Church, 501 Hampton Lane Towson, Maryland 21286.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Towson United Methodist Church Mission Work Area, 501 Hampton Lane, Towson, Maryland 21286, or The Alzheimer's Association of Towson. 502 Washington Avenue, Suite 300, Towson, Maryland 21204.