Vernard Arnold Burleson Jr.

Vernard Arnold Burleson, Jr. was born on June 16, 1944, in Lima, Oklahoma to proud parents Opal and Vernard Burleson, Sr. Vernard Jr. was the oldest of four children. Opal loved to boast how he started walking and talking before the age of one.

Vernard spent his formative years being raised in Gary, Indiana. 2432 Lincoln Street was the address of his childhood home. Lincoln Street was the place where he would develop his closest friendships and meet the love of his life, Margaret "Angel" Robinson. After high school graduation, Vernard attended Howard University. He later returned to Gary to live a blissful life with a loving family and honorable friends, 

On May 7, 1966, Vernard Jr. and Angel were married. Their union lasted 45 years until Angel's death in 2011. To this union, three children were born: Vincent, Timothy and Krista.

Vernard worked in several industries to support his family. He worked at U.S. Steel for a time, but soon discovered that manual labor was not his forte'. He managed a major grocery chain, which led him to a product consumer sales position at Kellogg's. He remained in grocery sales for over twenty-five years, until his retirement in 2001.

Vernard was an avid reader. He loved sports and he loved all genres of music. He appreciated songs with deep, meaningful lyrics. He was a thinking man. He was also very creative. In the early years he spent lots of time writing. Vernard was the person that everyone liked. He didn't judge you. He had an undisturbed persona and was very approachable. His kids' friends often referred to him as the cool dad. He was the father that allowed his children to choose and be there for them when the wrong choice was made. Not only was he a Father, but he also excelled as the Oldest Brother. He defended his younger sister, advised his younger brother, and provided for his baby brother. With age, his comfort and support remained. We always knew that we could depend upon the safety found in the love of a great man.

Vernard departed this life on Monday, July 1, 2024. He leaves behind to cherish his memories: his two sons, Vincent and Timothy Burleson of Gary, Indiana; his daughter, Krista Burleson of Indianapolis, Indiana; three grandchildren, Maxwell and Amil Burleson, and Quincy Hassan; two brothers, John Burleson of San Diego, California, and Emmett Burleson of Gary, Indiana; sister, Sandra Burleson of Los Angeles, California; sister-in-law, Anita Porter of Gary, Indiana, and a host of lifelong friends, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Memorial Service will be Friday, July 12, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408

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