Vernon Lewis O'Toole

Vernon Lewis O’Toole, age 77 passed away Monday February 24, 2025 at Hugh Chatham Health. Vernon was born October 25, 1947 in Logansport, Indiana to Russel Orville and Catherine Patricia Schillinger O’Toole. 

Vernon retired from The Tribune as advertising sales manager after 38 years of service. After his retirement he served as a funeral assistant at Elkin Funeral Service for 10 years. Vernon was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam Era as a combat aerial and still photographer. He also served in Okinawa for 18 months. For his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, US Army Commendation Medal and Expert Rifleman’s Badge. Vernon also served his community in many capacities. He was a retired member of the Elkin Fire Department after 32 years of service, he was a member of Elkin Masonic Lodge 454, a member of Elkin Rescue Squad and a Surry County EMS reserve from 1984-1989. Vernon was a past member and deacon of Elkin Presbyterian Church for many years and currently a member of First Baptist Church of Jonesville. 

Survivors include, his wife, Shelby O’Toole, his sons, Partick O’Toole and wife Sarah, Timothy O’Toole and wife Jackie, Christopher O’Toole and wife Jill, a brother, Russel O’Toole and wife Mary, grandchildren, Ian O’Toole, Emma O’Toole Woodruff and husband Mason, Ella O’Toole, Colin O’Toole, Isaac O’Toole, several nieces and nephews. Brother-in-law Stan Combs (Hilda), Sister-in-law Vicki Heath (Rick), Beth Donnelly (Kevin).

A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11am at Elkin Funeral Service Chapel with Dr. Roger Hensley officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-11am prior to the service. Burial will be private at Hollywood Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Ebenezer’s Christian Children’s Home P.O. Box 1434 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.