Danny Ray Vernon
formerly of Uniontown
Danny Ray Vernon passed away peacefully Saturday, October 25, 2025, at his home in DeBary, Fla., with his devoted sister, Roxanne, by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born July 14, 1956, in Uniontown.
Danny’s life was marked by determination, humor, and an unwavering commitment to family, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire those who knew him.
As the eldest child of Charles Ray Vernon and Constance Lynn Kennedy Vernon, both of whom predeceased him, Danny grew up alongside his twin siblings, Roxanne Vernon Show and Ronald Vernon, who was born in 1958. Tragically, Ronald passed away at the young age of four. Roxanne dedicated herself to caring for Danny, leaving her life in Pennsylvania to be by his side, which speaks volumes about their enduring bond.
Frequent relocations shaped Danny’s childhood due to his father’s Air Force career. He lived in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, France, Alabama, Texas, and Rancho Cordova, Calif., where he graduated from Cordova High School in 1974. Each of these places influenced his experiences, but his devotion to family remained constant. His home in DeBary was adorned with photos of his children and grandson, reflecting his love and pride for them.
Danny was a proud father to his sons, Neil Vernon and Gary Turver, both adopted while he was stationed in England with the United States Air Force; and his daughter, Angela “Angie” Salazar, who was born in Las Vegas.
In 1978, he married Elizabeth Neil and Gary’s mother while stationed at RAF Upper Heyford in England, and the family later moved to Las Vegas to build a new life together. After their divorce in South Carolina, Danny made sure that Elizabeth and the children returned to Pennsylvania so that his family could support them and remain involved in their lives. His grandson, Jesse Salazar, held a special place in his heart, and Danny took great pride in his children’s accomplishments, celebrating their successes with joy. Inspired by Danny’s Air Force service, Neil pursued a military career as well.
Neil resides in Ewa Beach, Hawaii; Gary lives in Huntsville, Ala.; and Angie is in Dodge City, Kans. Danny was also close to his niece and nephew, Rachel Magerko and Jeffrey “Jeff” Magerko. He attended many of Angie’s and Rachel’s dance recitals. Although Angie eventually stopped dancing, Rachel continued, and Danny remained supportive by attending her performances. He also took Jeff camping and cheered him on at baseball games, highlighting the importance he placed on family support.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as a mechanic, Danny followed in his father’s footsteps as a career Air Force man. Throughout his life, he held various jobs, including driving coal trucks in Pennsylvania, working as an auto mechanic in Georgia and South Carolina, and later working at a marina in South Carolina. He eventually returned to truck driving, working with semi-trucks, before moving back to Las Vegas, a place he cherished. After spending time in Pennsylvania to be closer to his family, he took pride in working as a Pennsylvania correctional officer, particularly as a member of the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT). His dedication to public service earned him a well-deserved retirement, and he also contributed to his community while working for Greene Township in Garard’s Fort. Danny’s passions were as diverse as his personality.
A lifelong sports enthusiast shaped by his time playing baseball in high school, he was a fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins. He cherished camping and sitting around a fire pit, where he created lasting memories with family and friends. On one memorable occasion, he took his children swimming at a lake, enduring a severe sunburn to ensure their enjoyment. Although he once enjoyed fishing, he never liked eating fish. His curiosity drove him to explore programs on technology, history, and other topics, always seeking to learn and discover new things. He often spent his spare time researching issues that intrigued him. Humorously, he maintained a running joke that each year was his 29th birthday, bringing smiles to those around him. Known for his humor and take-charge attitude, Danny was a pillar of strength. His dedication to family was evident in his commitment to following his parents’ guidance and later in caring for them. After his father’s passing, he relocated to Florida to be near his mother. Frugal with himself yet generous with others, Danny embodied selflessness. Whether pulling his kids out of school for a spontaneous camping trip or lightening the mood at Roxanne’s wedding with a well-timed joke, Danny’s life was defined by his efforts to create meaningful experiences, even as he faced personal and family challenges.
As Danny fought against cancer, supported by the unwavering care of his sister, Roxanne, his memory continues to inspire those who knew him through his selflessness, humor, and resilience. His pride in his children’s accomplishments and his enduring legacy will always be remembered.
Danny is survived by his sister, Roxanne Vernon Show; his children, Neil, Gary, and Angie; his grandson, Jesse; and his nieces and nephews, Rachel and Jeff Magerko. His memory lives on through his selflessness, humor, and determination, reminding us to cherish family, embrace adventure, and face life’s challenges with strength.