Vernard Gann, age 79, of Springfield, MO, passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at Mercy Hospital. He was born June 7, 1933, in Conway, MO, to Luther and Mabel (Newman) Gann. . He served in the United States Army . Vernard worked as a fire fighter for Springfield Fire Department for over twenty - eight years . He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time on the front porch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Mabel Gann and two brothers, Freeman Gann and Frank Gann. He is survived by five children,Vernon Daryl Gann and wife Julie, Springfield,Debra Hamilton and husband Chuck of Syracuse, MO, Janet Massey and husband Robert of Taneyville, Mike Gann and wife Bernice of Springfield, and Cheryl Gann of Ava; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren ; his little buddy , Pete; and a host of friends and family.. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 21, 2012, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North with burial in in Olive Freewill Cemetery, Fair Grove, MO. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2012 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Judes Children's Hospital. Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO. Online condolences may be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.