Vernon Lee "Chief" Fennel.... Age 87

Vernon Lee “Chief” Fennel age 87 of Lane, KS died Friday October 7, 2022 at Lifecare Center of Osawatomie.

Vernon was born November 18, 1934 in Miami, Oklahoma. He was born to Burly Dee and Daisy (Willett) Fennel. He grew up in Oklahoma and moved to Kansas in 1952.

During his working life, Vernon worked as a fishing guide and was a roofer with his brother, Eddie. He was most well-known for selling produce in Osawatomie at the railroad tracks.

His hobbies included fishing, hunting, playing guitar, and pool. In his younger years Vernon raised fighting roosters and traveled around to cockfights gambling on them. Vernon trained coon dogs and took them to dog trials. In the more recent years you could find him at the 8 th Street Bridge checking the water level while sharing his knowledge with those that were down there.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, his sons Vernon Fennel Jr and Mark Fennel, daughters Susan Fennel and Melody Allen, granddaughter Gracie Lee Fennel, siblings David Fennel, Jesse Smith, Hobard Smith, Louise Fennel and Harvey Smith.

Survivors include daughter Carla Molloy of Bucklin, MO, brothers George Fennel, Burly Fennel Jr, Edward “Jackie” Fennel, companion Rowena Titus, grandchildren; Cindy Ballou, Nickie Fennel-Brewer, Travis Fennel, Matt Fennel, Samantha Duncan, Brian David McQuay, Dylan Guinn, Steven Guinn, Shelby Allen and Sabrina Troutman. Along with numerous great grandchildren and friends.