Frankie Lavern "Vernie" Douglas, 78, of Strafford, MO passed away September 15, 2022.

Vernie grew up in hard times and walked to and from school every day in Northview, MO and attended Goff School until 8 ^th grade. He did what all boys did and worked on farms hauling hay, packing silage and anything else on the farm that needed work.

He moved onto Buena Vista Ranch in 1962. He wore many hats in his 60 years of service on the ranch while working for the Jones family. He built most all the fences surrounding the giant property and planted pine trees that still stand to this day. He was also a night security guard at Exotic Animal Paradise. He would ride his horse to work many times. In later years he could be seen about town in a SUV painted like a zebra.

He prided himself on his Fox Trotter horses and was a member of the Fox Trotter Association. Another of Vernie's passions was karaoke. He even had five CDs made. He loved the attention his karaoke fame brought him.

He retired from active daily work on the ranch in 2009 and was awarded a new Ford pickup for years of loyal service to the Jones family. Vernie chose to live his retirement out on the ranch he loved. On his four-wheeler, he would visit everyone on the ranch almost daily, along with the neighbors. He enjoyed all the conversations. We here on the ranch will always hear the steady hum of his approach to our homes. We still hear you, Vernie, and will never forget you.

"Always in the hearts and minds of all that knew him."

Visitation will be held Monday, September 26, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO 65804. Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Shiloh Cemetery, Strafford, MO.