Jon Vernon ("Vern") Michaels

Jon “Vernon” Michaels (78) ended his battle with cancer on May 24th, 2021 in Klamath Falls, Oregon with family by his side.

Vern was born in Pocatello Idaho to Bernice Carlson and George Michaels on December 12, 1942. In his younger years, he participated in FFA and attended Redmond High School. He had the need for speed and loved riding motorcycles.

In the spring of 1980, he married the love of his life, Arlene Michels and together they blended two families with Vern’s three daughters and Arlene’s three sons. 

He was a hard worker and a Jack of all trades. Vern worked on a Dairy along the Oregon coast for many years before changing fields to heavy equipment. He retired as a foreman at Deschutes Ready-Mix Sand & Gravel. 

Gold mining was his favorite hobby. He loved to visit Eastern Oregon to pan for gold. Vern also enjoyed watching football. Specifically, the 49ers, and Alabama. In the off-season, you could find him out in the garage tinkering around on all kinds of collected treasures. 

He is proceeded in death by his mother Bernice Halvorson, Father George Michaels, Stepfather Harvey Halvorson, Foster parents Hap and Margaret Mahaffey, son David Paxton, and his beloved dog Bear. 

He is survived by his wife Arlene Michaels, brothers Ronald Michaels and Gary Michaels, sister Beverly Fickett, daughters Angie Carlough (Jim), Kathy Lehman, and Julie Lindemann (Tim), sons Michael Paxton, and Jeffrey Paxton, grandchildren; Hailey Paxton (Coby), Casey Paxton, Bodie Paxton, Justin Carlough, Jacqueline Hanley (Jake), Alissa Carlough (Kevin), Natasha Cawood (Rod), Matthew Graffenberger (Moriah), Travis Knapp (Brittany), Josh McBride (Nicole), Levi Vandenberg, Bailey Lindemann, Charles Paxton, 12 great-grandchildren, and 2 on the way.  

A celebration of life will be planned for Vern at a later date.

Memorial contributions in memory of Vern can be made to High Desert Hospice, 2210 Shallock Ave, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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