RUSSELL — Vernon Edward Morgenstern, 89, died May 24, 2014 at Deseret Heath Care in Kensington. Born June 12, 1924, in Barton County, he was the son of Edward and Minnie (Boxberger) Morgenstern. He grew up in the Galatia area and graduated from Russell High School in 1942. He was drafted into the Army Air Corp and was honorably discharged in 1946. On July 17, 1948, he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Keener. He had a long career in aviation and was a contract Pipeline Pilot for 53 years and flew for numerous oil and gas pipeline companies including Kaw and Jayhawk Pipeline.
Mr. Morgenstern was a member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Russell Elks Club, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Masonic Lodge, Consistory and Shrine, and the University of Kansas Williams Fund.  
Survivors include his wife Mary Lou of Russell; two sons, Michael of Lone Tree, Colo. and Todd of Ellinwood; and three grandchildren.
A private memorial service will take place at a later date. The register book will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the mortuary. Memorials may be given to the Russell County EMS or the Russell City Fire Department in care of the mortuary.  

Funeral arrangements provided by
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler  Mortuary
610 N. Maple
Russell, Ks. 67665
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, May 29, 2014