He was born on July 14, 1923 in Wellsboro, PA, a son of the late Manley and Ada (Reese) Van Ness. He served in the US Army Air Corps in WWII, was a member of the Dexter Baptist Church and was married to the late Jessie (Sisson) Van Ness for 62 years. He was a pastor for over 30 years for the First Baptist Church of Clifton, AZ and the West Jackson Baptist Church, Millerton, PA. Vernon loved reading the Bible, telling stories, hunting, working on cars and carpentry.

Pastor Van Ness is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Wendell (Cara) Van Ness of Knoxville, PA, Philip (Cheri) Van Ness of Mainesburg, PA, four daughters and sons-in-law: Sylvia Brewer, Maureen Dexter, Debbie (George) Myers, Linda (Martin) Wright all of Wellsboro, PA, daughter-in-law: Carolyn Van Ness of Wellsboro, PA, two sisters-in-law: Donna Van Ness and Pat Van Ness, both of Wellsboro, PA, 24 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son: Tom Van Ness.

A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 27 at 11:00 AM at the Dexter Baptist Church, Wellsboro, PA with Pastor James Truax officiating. Interment will be in the Welsh Settlement Cemetery, Wellsboro, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dexter Baptist Church or to the Child Evangelism Fellowship of Tioga County. Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.