Vernon L. Hazen

Vernon Leroy Hazen, 83, passed away at home in Beavercreek, OH on January 1, 2021, after a courageous 4-year battle with melanoma. He was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on June 1, 1937 to Alena McGregor Hazen and Forrest Leroy Hazen.

In 1945, he and his mother moved to Ogden, Utah where he attended Ogden City Schools, graduating from Ogden High in 1955. He attended Weber State, Utah State, and received his B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Parks College of St. Louis University in 1960. He attended the University of Montana and received his Master in Industrial Management from Eastern Michigan University. Vern had a life-long love of aviation. He began building model airplanes as a child and won many competitions. He earned his private pilot's license about the same time he got his driver's license, followed by his commercial pilot's license a few years later. He flew search and rescue missions with the Civil Air Patrol in Utah. Vern had an Aircraft and Powerplant license and was a meticulous mechanic. As an incredible collector of tools, he could build or repair anything, often using his talents to help family and friends and keeping many cars on the road well past their prime.

In 1961, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. He only meant to stay in 4 years, but love of his country kept him in and he retired after over 21 years of service. Highlights of his service include; working as a combat missile crew commander, Vice-Commander of the Air Force base in Rimini, Italy, and Program Manager for re-engineering the KC-135.

Vern was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a young adult, and served in many leadership callings throughout his life. He married Mary Ellen Ipson in the Salt Lake Temple on February 3, 1961.

He is survived by his wife and his six children: Holly (Helge) Buflod of Waynesville, OH; Vincent (Constance) of Lometa, TX; Vaughn (Jori) of Montreal, Canada; Victor of Chosi, Japan; Vance of Austin, TX and Heather (Art) Hung of Centerville, OH. He had 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Robert and Larry, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 10:00 - 11:00 am at Newcomer Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, Ohio 45432 with Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am.

"The State of Ohio is under a mandatory mask order and has required that face masks be worn in all public places."

He will be buried in the Bellbrook Cemetery.