Obituary of William Vernon Whidden

William “Vernon” Whidden, age 73, resident of Moore Haven, Florida, passed away October 8, 2023 at Palms West hospital in Loxahatchee, Florida. On September 1, 2023, he broke his hip from a fall at home then had a hip replacement and was admitted impatient for physical therapy in Clewiston. His chronic COPD compounded with the recent additional physical challenges resulted in his death. During one of his hospital stays he said, “well I almost made it to my birthday”.  A celebration of life party was held in honor of his birthday October 11, 2023, at his home where the people he loved, family, friends, band members, neighbors and coworker visited.

He was born October 11, 1949, in Lakeport, FL, to the late Julian Vernon Whidden and Nettie (Cox) Whidden. He grew up and lived around lake Okeechobee all his life.

He worked many years as a surveyor for U.S. Sugar and later Hendry County where he retired. In the 70’s 80’s and 90’s he played bass guitar in the band on the weekends and once opened for BB King. He aways had a boat and enjoyed fishing on Lake Okeechobee as well as many different locations throughout Florida including the Keys.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Tracey Whidden and cousin Vance W. Whidden.

He is survived by:

Wife - Isabell Morell

Daughter - Sherrie Whidden

Grandchildren - Scott Hairston, Alan Hairston, Chase Hairston, Averi Dunavan

Greatgrandchildren – Colton Hairston, Sawyer Hairston, Landon Hairston, Lacey Lynn Hairston

Stepchildren – Jude Kurtz, Ian Kurtz, Martin Kurtz, Elise Kurtz, Hans Kurtz, and their families

Dog – Kitty

Cats – Mudbuddy, Baby

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a tobacco cessation program in his name.

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