Vernon J. Winner, 90, Versailles, died at 5:25 p.m. April 23, 2011, at Versailles Health Care Center.

He was born Jan. 16, 1921, near Sidney, to Herman and Loretta Luthman Winner. On April 11, 1945, he married Dorothy F. Kremer, who died June 21, 1999.

He is survived by three sons, Larry (Cheryl) Winner, Dublin, J.D. "John" (Julie) Winner, Troy, Michael (Ann) Winner, Cincinnati; five daughters, Beverly (Robert) Mayer, Lawrenceville, Ga., Jean (David) Buxton, Versailles, Kay (James) Poeppelman, Versailles, LouAnn Lowe, Raleigh, N.C., and Renee (Steve) Terzini, Richmond, Ind.; two sisters, Louise "Lou" (Purcell) Grilliot, Versailles, and Betty (Don) Nutt, Vandalia; 32 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Also deceased are a brother, Ernest Winner; two sisters, Treva McKim and Marianne Schmitmeyer; and two grandchildren.

A member of St. Denis Catholic Church, he was a distributor and server for Mass. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Eagles Lodge and American Legion in Versailles.

He was former president of the Versailles Development Association, past chairman of Poultry Days and former president of Versailles Industrial Park. He operated various businesses, including the former Chick Inn Restaurant, Frenchies Restaurant, Versailles, Tastee Freeze in Versailles and Piqua, and Del-Win Lanes.

He had worked at Argosy Manufacturing, Versailles, and the Versailles Hotel.

He served in the U.S. Coast Guard as Seaman 1st Class.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. David Vincent officiating. Burial will follow in St. Valbert Cemetery. Graveside services will be conducted by Versailles Veterans Honor Guard.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles.

Memorial contributions may be made to Versailles Life Squad.

Condolences may be left at zecharbailey.com.