Vernon Emile Tatsch of Mesquite, born August 12, 1931, passed away February 22, 2023.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Charles and Ellen Mae Tatsch; brothers, Henry (Dick), Rudolph, James (Jim), Bill, Orbry (Ory), Preston, Alan (Dink); and wife of 65 years, Clara Frances Tatsch.  He is survived by children, Gary Tatsch, Kenneth Tatsch, Denise Race, Darlene Lineberger; grandchildren, Kristofer Tatsch, Laura Mainard, NikolasTatsch, Dennis Tatsch, Cherie Oertel, Morgan Race, Christi Hernandez, Warren Race, Chelsea Archer, Angela Tatsch, Vika Tatsch; great grandchildren; Francesca, Cecilia, Mia, Carina, Rowan, Dash, Arlen, Haylee, Nova, Ilana, Henry, and Elliott; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Vernon (nicknamed Bucky) was the youngest of 8 boys raised on the family farm in San Angelo, Texas.  He started school early, attended the University of Texas in Austin, earning a degree in petroleum engineering in 1952.  He married Clara Frances Young on June 22,1952. Soon after, he was drafted into the Army and billeted in Virginia in the Quartermaster Corps testing the supplies for Army use. Upon discharge in 1954, he returned to his career with Sun Oil Company in Beaumont, Texas.  There he and Clara continued to grow their family. After about 12 years, they moved to Mesquite and put down strong roots in a house the family still considers home.  Vernon retired from Sun Oil at the age of 56 in 1987.

Vernon enjoyed time with family and friends, as well as keeping busy and being productive.  He was active in Casa View Christian Church as a deacon, elder, and adult Sunday school discussion group leader.  He played and coached softball at Casa View Christian Church and later played with Ole Pros softball team in Mesquite.  Wood working, TV repair, plumbing, farming, gardening, and other creative outlets kept his interest.  Most of all, he applied his many talents to family.  Whether spending time with a few grandchildren or hosting a major family reunion, Vernon and Clara made family always feel welcome and important. He was always there for them, but also had many special events to bring them together.  Weekly dinner nights with a family favorite meal of cornbread and beans, birthday celebrations, Mother’s Day,  and Father’s Day set the baseline.  Easter included a huge egg hunt. Christmas included decorating, sing along of Christmas favorites, and gifts for everyone.  The Tatsch Family Reunion on the family property of Vernon’s origin in San Angelo was kept going throughout his lifetime bringing brothers, cousins, nieces and nephews for a great time together including a cookout and tournament of horseshoes.  Vernon was also a key player in keeping the Young Family Reunion (his wife, Clara’s family) in Brady, Texas going and well attended for many years.

Family will receive friends Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 1:00PM – 2:00PM at the Casa View Christian Church, 2230 Barnes Bridge Rd. Dallas, Texas 75228. 

Service will be 2:00PM at the same location. 

Interment will be at DFW National Cemetery at 10:15AM on March 17, 2023.