Vernie Harold Ramsey, 95, of Birmingham, IA passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Van Buren County Hospital. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua with Pastor Mark Caston officiating. Cremation will take place following the service with burial to be held at a later date in the Kilbourne Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the funeral home and will last until the time of service. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions be directed to the Bonaparte Baptist Church or to the Kilbourne Cemetery Association and may be mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences or join the livestream at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Vernie Harold Ramsey entered this life on February 16, 1931, in Birmingham, IA, the son of Rex and Mildred Black Ramsey. He attended and graduated from Birmingham High School. It was during his time in school when he met the love of his life, Doris King. The two were married on June 11, 1950, marking the first chapter in a story that lasted over 70 years. Together they were the proud parents of 7 children, Rita, Bruce, Jim, Doyle, Carroll, Darrell, and Grace. Shortly after beginning their family Vernie became ill with tuberculosis and spent over a year in the hospital. After battling through recovery, he returned home where he began Ramsey Egg service. He was a member of the Army National Guard where he proudly served until his honorable discharge. Vernie spent a few years working for Louden Machinery in Fairfield before beginning his career with John Deere Ottumwa Works. He dedicated over 30 years, retiring as a welding supervisor.
With retirement came time to continue his skills as a master gardener as well as tending to his bees. He was a master craftsman and enjoyed woodworking. He had a special place in his heart for dogs and spent many years raising saint bernards. Vernie and Doris remained true to their faith and were active members in the Bonaparte Baptist Church. They had a hand in helping to start the Faith Baptist Church in Fairfield and served as the camp cooks for over 30 years at the Baptist Camp at Lake Darling. Vernie was always on the go. With the death of Doris in 2020 he continued to find comfort and love spending time with his family and close friends. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Vernie was preceded in death by his parents, two children, Bruce Ramsey and Rita Carlson; a great grandson, Jordan Ramsey; great granddaughter, Sarah Dane and four siblings, Robert “Jim” Ramsey, Nancy Craff, Kathy Shelangoski, and Alan in infancy.
Left to share his story are his children, Jim (Toni) Ramsey of Donnellson, IA, Doyle (Karen) Ramsey of Des Moines, Carroll (Lori) Ramsey of Eldridge, IA, Darrell Ramsey of Cody, WY, and Grace (Jerry) Kysar of Worland, WY; sixteen grandchildren, thirty-six great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren; his sister, Mary Bagby; a bonus son and daughter, Keith Morris and Loretta Fulton, as well as many extended family and friends.
