Vernon Sylvester Ratcliff, age 78, a resident of 809 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kan., died Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008, at the Mercy Health Center Emergency Room. He was born Jan. 16, 1930, in Newton, Kan., the son of Earnest Ratcliff and Eva Bailey Ratcliff. He married Patricia Pollett on Nov. 17, 1967, in Fredonia, Kan. Vernon was retired from construction and janitorial work. He was a member of the Victory Bible Training Center.

Survivors include his wife Patricia, of the home; one son, Thomas Gene Ratcliff, Wichita, Kan.; a daughter, Amie Raticliff, Fort Scott; and three grandchildren, Vincent, Timothy and Jacob Ratcliff. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, and one sister.

Pastor Jeanie Rowden wil conduct memorial services at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to a "Grandchildren Educational Fund" and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.