Vernon L. Jewell
January 3, 1939 ~ August 26, 2024
Vernon L. Jewell, 85, of Elizabethtown, Indiana, passed away peacefully on the 26th of August, 2024. Born on January 3, 1939, in Martin County, Indiana, he was the son of the late Rev. Marvin and Ruth Carroll Jewell. Vernon's life was marked by his unwavering kindness, wisdom, and thoughtfulness that touched all who knew him.
Vernon's commitment to his community was evident through his dedicated service as a Bartholomew County Commissioner from 1985 until 1992, Auditor from 1993 until 2000, and Treasurer from 2001 until 2008. His entrepreneurial spirit shone as the former owner of the Reed and Jewell Funeral Home and the current owner of the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Vernon's professional life was a testament to his integrity and his desire to serve others.
He leaves behind his wife, Phyllis Jewell, and his children: Diane Smith of Columbus, Indiana, Heeth Jewell of Columbus, Indiana, Nick (Jodi) Rittman of Columbus, Indiana, Todd Rittman of Louisville, Kentucky, and Vikki (Rob) Henkle of Indianapolis, Indiana. Vernon was preceded in death by his son Keith Jewell and daughter Mindie Jewell. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Cortney (Joey) Caplinger, Gage (Tiffany) Jewell, Wesley (Jaleigh) Jewell, Tiffany (Scott) Lehman, Lauren (Sam) Glanders, Abby (Josh) Swift, Parker Rittman, Sloan Rittman, Connor Henkle, Peyton Henkle, and Brayden Henkle and his eight great-grandchildren.
Vernon's memory will also be treasured by his sisters Reova Meredith of Columbus, Indiana, Laconda (Paul) Wilson of Redford, Michigan, Rita Carr of Columbus, Indiana, Rebecca (Wayne) Haney of Nappanee, Indiana, Reba McFall of Columbus, Indiana, his son-in-law Milo Smith of Columbus, Indiana, and his daughter-in-law Donna Fields of Columbus, Indiana, along with many loving nieces and nephews. His sister Roberta Hughes preceded him in death.
A devout Christian, Vernon attended the First Church of the Nazarene as well as Bethel Holiness Church, where he shared in fellowship with many friends. His love for fishing created countless memories, especially during family trips to the lakes of Canada. These moments, now cherished memories, are a testament to his love for nature and the joy he found in life's simple pleasures.
As Albert Einstein once said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile," and Vernon embodied this philosophy through his actions and the love he shared. His presence will be dearly missed, but his impact will continue to resonate in the lives of those he touched.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2024, at First Church of the Nazarene in Columbus with Revs. Travis Stamper and Wes Jones officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday at the church. He will be laid to rest at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may donate to Gideon’s International through the funeral home.
Vernon's life was a journey of love, service, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. As we bid him farewell, we celebrate a life well-lived and honor a soul that truly made a difference. His spirit, characterized by kindness and wisdom, will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
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One of the most Compassionate and Respectful person that I know. Prayers, Love and continued Thoughts for his family.
Vernon Jewell was one the most genuine kindhearted men I’ve ever met. He exemplified compassion every time I saw him. Vernon’s death is a huge loss to his family and community. Prayers to his lovely family.
Sad day Vernon was a great man and will be missed by friends, family all that that knew him. RIP Vernon!
Vernon will always have a special place in my heart. I had the honor to work for Vernon from 2006-2008. We had so many wonderful conversations. I know he is now with our Maker and having a wonderful celebration with his loved ones. I give my sincerest condolences to all of Vermont’s family.
When God took this man home he got a special special angel. I know in God’s Kingdom he will have a special place. God bless keep his protection grab his arms around his loving family in this time of sorrow will always remember Vernon Jewel.
The loss of Vernon to us left behind is Great, but his reward he has received is the greatest! Vernon was a great friend, so kind to all of us. My love and prayers go out to Phyllis, Diane and the boys Heeth, and Nick, and all his sisters! Words cannot express my sadness of the loss of Vernon!
No idea where to begin. Such a Godly man. Sweet, kind, considerate etc. such a great friend to our family. There are no words to take this pain away but I can Imagine him and my daddy talking— they could do that for hours. Oh Vernon you will be so missed and I will miss you hugs and hearing you tell me you love us. See you soon my dear friend. Hug my daddy for me. love Connie
Vernon always had a smile and wisdom.and lived his family and friends deeply.im so sad..can’t believe it.jim hill is waiting for that waffle house in th sky fir the coffee and talks .R.i.p vernon
I loved to talk to him about the Lord Jesus Christ. I never heard him say a negative word. He encouraged me to keep the faith!!!
HE WAS A VERY HONEST AND CARING MAN, HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED
He was a wonderful and sweet man I will never forget how wonderful he was to me with the loss of my mother a few years ago I will lift up all the family in prayer he will be truly missed
He drove our momma to Alabama for her final resting place. He will always hold a special place in my heart for taking such good care of us during the worst time of our lives.
Lit a candle in memory of Vernon L. Jewell
Always welcoming snd friendly. You were treated like an old friend. Will miss his presence.
Vern will always hold a special place in our hearts for all the memories shared over the years. He has been a part of our lives for many years and we will hold all of them deep within our hearts. Thoughts & prayers for all! Teresa Butler Simpson & Bonnie Butler Giles
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Vernon L. Jewell.
Vernon was so kind and loving. He truly cared about people but above all he LOVED Jesus and his church. When my dad passed away unexpectedly, Vernon treated us just like family. I will miss seeing and talking with him every Sunday at church. We are praying for the family he has left behind. Go Rest High on the Mountain. You deserve it. I know you were greeted with “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”
So very True !!
So sorry for your loss Diana and family. Vernon was a kind person. This community was glad to have him.
Prayers to all.
Days of Sunshine Bouquet was purchased for the family of Vernon L. Jewell.
Dunlap & Company, Inc. planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Vernon L. Jewell.
I believe there can be no greater gift than to be able to give comfort to someone during their darkest moments. During a time when just the thought of the next minute, hour, or days ahead feeels like a mountain that is much too high to climb. Yet this is the very gift Vernon gave to hundreds of people daily. Whether it was coming into his office to make arrangements just hours after the most devastating news or maybe it was during that walk into the room to view the one you just lost for the first time or perhaps it was that devastating walk away after saying your very last goodbye.
All it really took was his soft loving voice of encouragement or wrapping his strong yet gentle arm around your shoulder; in those moments things felt less dark and the future seemed a little less heavy. This gift he shared with our community countless times and I have no doubt his rewards are plenty. Rest easy sweet Vernon, your void will be felt by many for years to come.
Nick and family, Vernon was a great many, he will be missed, praying for you all
There are just to many to mention! ! But as we spoke a couple weeks ago he said he would make sure to let the boys know to take care of me !!! He was like a father to me !! I love you all !
Always kind. Always caring. Godspeed.
I have known and worked with Vernon on numerous funerals and even planned my own funeral with his help. He now has entered a paradise created by the Lord with heavenly waters teeming with majestic fish. Just a reminder that it is catch and release. Looking forward to seeing you there. Your brother in Christ, Pastor Mike
Vernon was a wonderful man and friend to my father. He helped my family through the toughest 2 years of my life with the loss of my mother and less than 11 months later my father. He was kind and supportive and was truly one of a kind.
To Diane and family, I last saw your father at my mother’s funeral at the funeral home in November 2023.
We talked about Mindie and I being best friends and the great times she and I had together .
I am so sorry for your loss and sending love and support.
Audrey Allman Demino and family
Ther are no words for how kind and compassionate this man was he touched alot of our lives and helped us through the most toughest times of are lives we love this family beyond words rest in paradise you will be truly missed.♡♡
We Are Sorry for Your Loss of Vernon. He Was a Man that We Respected Greatly, and a Great Person in The Columbus Community, that was Loved by All That Knew Him. Sending Our thoughts and Prayers to Phyllis, and His Entire Family. May He rest in Peace.
I am so very sorry for the loss of Vernon ,a truely great man. I know Vernon made a great positive impact on the life of my son Carson Gilpin. Vernon and all the Jewell/Rittman family have been positive role models for my son. I know Vernon will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He will never be forgotten for his dedicated service and his kindness. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family of this wonderful man.
Sincerely Sharon Jessie
Vernon was a dedicated friend. he loved his family work and his church. will miss our little chats and seeing him at church and I thank his dedication to his country and to our veterans’ honor guard will be missed by all. .
Diane, so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Thinking of you, my friend.
Dear Jewell family, our sincerest condolences for the loss of Vernon. He was always a very gracious and honorable man. We enjoyed working with him on countless funerals over the years. The community of Columbus has lost a staunch advocate for good, but his legacy will continue.
Fr. Chris, Fr. Clem, and the St. Bartholomew community.
Amy Coon Boston and I are heartbroken while celebrating the amazing life of Vernon Jewell. He drove the lead car and stood at the foot of Mom’s casket and cried with us on Saturday at the cemetery. Seven years ago today, he sat with the Coon family within an hour after the passing of Amy’s daddy, Gary, not as a funeral director but as the family friend that he always was. Our community has truly lost one of the greatest men Amy and I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Prayers for peace and comfort for family, friends, and loved ones.
Kristen B. planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Vernon L. Jewell.
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Vernon L. Jewell.
Medium Dish Garden was purchased for the family of Vernon L. Jewell.
Clifton Shoultz Family purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Vernon L. Jewell.
Vernon was the picture of Love & Compassion. No words can describe how he will be missed. Love & prayers for the family.
So Sorry For Your Loss Prayers Going Up For His Family and Friend’s 🕊️🙏🕊️🙏🕊️🙏
Love’s Journey was purchased for the family of Vernon L. Jewell.
Cincinnati Equitable Life Ins. Company purchased the Peaceful White Lilies Basket for the family of Vernon L. Jewell.
A man filled with faith, curiosity and humor. What a loving friend!
What a wonderful man Vernon was. He will be missed by so many.. My prayers are with you Heath and your family🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
My condolences to the Jewell and Rittman families. I had the pleasure to work for Vernon thru my high school and early college years . Along with some fishing, hunting and boat racing experiences together. He took a chance on a young man and gave me a great deal of responsibility at that age. Forever grateful for his trust and those early lessons in life. Hope your families find comfort in his rich history and memories. Mark Loyd & family
Rick and I often had Vernon, and Jim Winger to our house for dinner. We would laugh until our stomach would ache, listening to the stories of their funeral days working together.. They were two of a kind and such friends what wonderful memories of Vernon and his kindness to our family during heartaches of death. I just sat beside him in Sunday school class last Sunday, choking with him. Yes, Vernon, I will see you in heaven.
Brent M. planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Vernon L. Jewell.
A great man was a friend of my father good bless the family
Karen H. planted a grove of 3 Memorial Trees in honor of Vernon L. Jewell.
My condolences to all the Jewell & Rittman families. My father-in-law, Dale used to tell us stories about the kindnesses Vernon would do to help people in the community in their time of need. Vernon didn’t admit to it, but he’d just shake his head, smile & say Dale’s just telling tales again. Such care shown to us as we made final plans for Dale and later for my husband, David. Vernon’s legacy will live on in the hearts of many in this community.
Thank you Vernon for your kindness and dedication to serving the community. My deepest condolences to Nick, Heath and the entire Jewel Rittman families. May god comfort you in your time of grief.
One of the kindest and caring people I ever met !
Rest in peace
Vernon was so kind and helpful to everyone , he was involved in several of my family funerals and always made sure everyone was taken care of above and beyond , he was a blessing to our community and will be missed
Diane. Our families go way back. We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. What good memories we have of your family. We are sending thoughts and prayers for you and your beautiful sweet family. Carrie Moody Carothers
Lit a candle in memory of Vernon L. Jewell
Mike and Amy Meredith & Family purchased the Full Heart for the family of Vernon L. Jewell.
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Jewell. I have just heard that he was called by some the ‘Crump Angel’ for his role in the restoration of the Crump Theater. My great-great grandfather built that theater, and we have been delighted to see it has returned to being a community gathering place.
Barb, my brother Thomas and I offer our deep condolences to the family. Sincerely, John Michael Crump
Lit a candle in memory of Vernon L. Jewell