Vernon Sebastian

Memorial service celebrating the life of Vernon Sebastian will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel, Mansfield, Louisiana. Reverend Bob Latham will be officiating the service. Visitation will be held at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home on Sunday, February 19, 2023 from noon until time of service.

Vernon, beloved husband, and father, entered into rest on Monday, February 13, 2023 in Frierson, Louisiana at the age of 90.  He was born on April 7, 1932 in Mansfield, Louisiana.  He was raised in the Lula Community and lived all his childhood with his grandparents, William and Nettie Palmer.  He attended Stanley High School where he graduated as Valedictorian of his class.  He went to Northwestern State University to play basketball but only stayed one semester, longing to go back home.

Vernon enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after.  He was stationed at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Josephine Fiebelkorn.  He served on many missions overseas and was awarded a letter of commendation for his service.  After nearly 9 years of service, he resigned and headed back home to Louisiana.  Soon after that in 1961, Vernon started up the first State Farm Agent’s office in DeSoto Parish.  He went on to have a very successful career with State Farm, retiring after 35 years of service.  Vernon was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He was well known for his hunting and fishing abilities, but even more well known for the stories he told about his adventures.  His other passion was sports, especially women’s softball.  Vernon coached a women’s softball team that became well known as one of the best in the state, eventually having to travel to other states to compete.

He was a mentor to many and left a lasting impression.  Vernon was such a genuine and caring person.  He had a gift of making everyone he met feel welcome and special.  He loved his family more than anything and we all take comfort knowing that he is now at peace.  

Preceding Vernon in death are his parents, Ollie Sebastian and Gertrude Palmer Hanks, and his beloved grandparents, William and Nettie Palmer. 

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 67 years, Mary Jo Sebastian; son, Gary Wayne Sebastian; daughters, Cindy Lynn Sebastian, and Julie Anne Henderson [Derrick Hadley]; grandchildren, Gretchen, Jennifer, Mary, Lauren, Justin, Jana, and Keiffer; 15 great grandchildren; and brother, Marcus Gene Hanks. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.