Jack Myers Vail, age 89, of McCordsville, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2016. He was born on January 27, 1927, in McCordsville, as the son of George and Effie (McCord) Vail.
He graduated from McCordsville High School in 1945. Jack served in the Army and was stationed in Germany shortly after the end of World War II. He served his country proudly and was decorated with the “Victory Medal” and the “Army of Occupation Medal Germany.” He married Celia Genieve (Willard) on September 10, 1955, at Curry’s Chapel in Hancock County.
Jack worked as a farmer in Hancock County most of his life. He enjoyed staying busy while farming and being able to farm with his wife. He also volunteered for 42 years at the McCordsville Volunteer Fire Department. He was honored to receive the Fire Marshal’s Meritorious Service Award and the Midwest Award for dedication to fire service district 13A.
Jack is survived by his children, M. Kim (Karen) Vail of Santa Rosa, Cali., Steve (Shelley) Vail of Greenfield, Sharla (Joe) Ping of Franklin, Vernée (Kelly) Eads of McCordsville; nine grandchildren, Valerie and Tommy (Emily) Vail, Kyle (Kat), Alyse (Corey) and Keegan Vail, Allison and Ben Ping, Addison and Meridan Eads; two great-grandchildren, Hadley and Margot Vail; brother, Glen Vail of McCordsville; brother-in-law, Ed (Pat) Willard; sister-in-law, Jackie (Norris) Kerkhof; and 10 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Genieve Vail; two brothers, Don and Carl Wayne Vail; and an infant sister, Anna Mae Vail.
Visitation will be held from Noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 U.S. 40 West, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, May 23, also at the mortuary. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield with full military rites presented by the Greenfield Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be sent directly to the Jack Vail Memorial Fund, McCordsville Volunteer Fire Department, 7580 N. Form St., McCordsville, IN 46055 or envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
