Verner E Mettin Jr's Obituary
Verner Edward Mettin, Jr. (1948 - 2022), devoted husband, proud father, steadfast friend, and mentor to countless passed away at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 18th, 2022, at the age of 74.
The son of Verner Sr. and Anita Mettin, Vern is survived by his wife Lee Willman, his two children, Bradley Mettin (Gretchen Holthausen) of Branford, CT, Kathleen Mettin (Jim Oberci) of Newport, NC, and his God-daughter & niece BeckyLee Bennett of Palm Coast, FL. He is also survived by his youngest brother, David (Jennifer) of Doylestown, PA, and his siblings Neil Mettin, Cindy Solliday, and Lisa Creighbaum, along with multiple nieces and nephews.
Given his quick wit and never-ending catalog of jokes, it should be no surprise that Vern was born on April Fool’s Day, seventeen years before his brother David who is also an April Fool’s baby. Vern grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Quakertown Community High School after excelling as a varsity linebacker throughout his high school years.
Following high school, Vern joined the United States Navy Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business from Miami University of Ohio. While his father served in the US Navy, Vern aspired to and became a decorated Naval Officer. Throughout his military career, Vern held dual ratings as US Naval Aviator, flying fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters with specialties in mountain flying, extreme cold weather survival and equipment, and mountain climbing, skills needed for supporting Operation Deepfreeze, exploring the Antarctic, in the early seventies. In addition, Vern worked with the US Coast Guard Icebreakers in their support of Mountain operations and served as an aircraft maintenance officer in Pensacola, FL, with a fleet of over 100 aircraft. He also flew with the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom as an exchange pilot and gave primary flight instructions and acrobatics.
While up for Lieutenant Commander, Vern left the Navy to enter the corporate world. He quickly rose to the East Division manager of Bandag, a Fortune 500 company, and was frequently featured as a motivational speaker for corporate events.
Retiring early, Vern and Lee purchased the Captain Stannard House, a quaint country inn located in the coastal town of Westbrook, CT. They were the quintessential gracious hosts for all guests, most often offering them a
glass of wine and a song. Many visitors extended their reservation after experiencing the warmth and humor of the innkeepers.
In Westbrook, Vern transferred his skills and love of flight to the enjoyment of sailing. He instantly fell into the role of capable and entertaining captain, offering trips aboard his 36' Moody sailboat, the “Garnet Lady,” all over Long Island Sound with family, friends, and guests of the Inn.
After selling the Inn in 2003, Vern and Lee headed south on their 43' Albin trawler, the "LoveLee." They made multiple year-long stops along the eastern sea coast, finding and building community at each destination until finally settling in Palm Coast, FL. Vern enjoyed golfing, boating, singing, and the sense of community that Palm Coast offered. He devoted much of his time in retirement honing his singing and songwriting skills, which he shared happily with family and friends. When asked what his inspiration was for his songs, he always said he wrote about the three things he loved most in life: his family, the sea, and God. Vern often played at charitable fundraisers, such as “Soup and Song” for The Sheltering Tree. He was an active member of United Brethren in Christ Church (UBIC) of Holly Hill, where he regularly volunteered at the UBIC Food Pantry. It gave Vern great joy to serve his church and community in any way he could, and he became a friend to all he met.
People will remember him as the funniest man they have ever known, fearless to a fault, a compassionate friend, a man of God, and the most loving husband and father on the planet. He will be missed and was loved beyond measure by his family and close friends.
In honor of Vern’s military service, he will be laid to rest in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life concert will be held at a date to be announced.
Memorial gifts may be made to the UBIC Food Pantry, 560 Flomich Street, Holly Hill, FL 32117. https://ubichollyhill.com/
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