On Monday, September 21, Chester "Vern" Lackey, 79, of Hanford, CA went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Vern was born in Sacramento, CA on January 17, 1941 to Chester Fredrick Lackey and Villa Jean Lackey.  In addition to his parents, Vern was raised in a large, loving family of three sisters and one brother.  After graduating from Hanford High in 1959, Vern enlisted in the Coast Guards until he was honorably discharged in 1961.  Eventually Vern settled into a life-long career as a tool pusher before retiring in 2015 from Oil Well Services in Santa Paula, CA.  His retired years were spent reading, working out, bowling and daily visits to his son Vern's cabinet shop along with his best buddy, Dewey.

Best described as the "Clint Eastwood" type, Vern was as loving as he was tough.  He enjoyed going to garage sales, swap meets or anywhere else he could find the perfect exercise equipment "because this time he was serious" about getting in shape.  If you had the pleasure of a "Lack Attack" visit from Vern, it might be short, but it was full of laughter, joke telling and hugs.  If you asked anyone to describe Vern in a few words they would respond, "He was a hard worker."  Work ethic, honor and "doing what you say you are going to do" is what he lived by.  His legacy is found in the family he left behind and the many people whose lives he touched.

Vern is preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Donna Pieroti, Janice Rutt and Kay Parvins; and little brother, Gary Lackey.  He is survived by his wife Annette Phillips Lackey and his children:  Rance Couto, Jason Lackey, Vern Lackey, Jeana Brooks and Ben Lackey; his step-children:  Rhonda Tate, Melanie Rawls and Marnie Couto; and 18 grandchildren and countless great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Grangeville Cemetery located at 10428 14 ^th Ave. in Armona, CA. on Monday, October 5, 2020 at 11:00AM.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.