Sewell Dwain Vernon

Sewell Dwain Vernon, 95, passed away at home on March 10th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 23rd, 1928, in Friendship, Tennessee, to parents George and Effie (Young) Vernon. 

Sewell is survived by his sister Sherry Headden; his sons Larry (Beverly), Steve, and David; grandchildren Dustin (Amanda), Ashley Vernon-Meeks (Ben), Philip, Matthew (Sable), Cathryn, Clare, and Dominic; great-grandchildren GraceAnna, Caelan, and Cecilia; and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Waymon Vernon, Virgil Vernon, and Hazel Farmer. 

Visitation for Sewell will be Sunday, March 17th, at Flanner Buchanan - Washington Park East located at 10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis from 12pm until 2pm. Graveside service will follow at 2pm. He will be laid to rest at Washington Park East Cemetery. 

Sewell graduated from Hamlett-Robertson High School in Crocket Mills, TN.  A very hard worker, he held several jobs throughout his life. He started as a farmer on the family farm in TN and was pulling a plow with the mule team at 10 years old!  He moved north with his brother Waymon in his 20s and they had several business ventures together including a very successful tree trimming service.  He also worked as a skilled trade machinist for over 20 years and retired from General Motors-Allison Transmission.  Sewell was married twice, to “Sissy” Lorrina Mae Wilson and Becky Creamer.

Sewell was a cantankerous character, but compassionate gentleman and loved family more than anything else. He loved taking trips to visit family.  He had a passion for tuning and restoring cars, especially fast cars and was an avid racing fan (except NASCAR – “that’s not real racing”).  He lived within walking distance from the IMS and attended the Indy 500 for fifty plus consecutive years.   He was so fond of this because every May, friends and family from near and far descended upon his home and all enjoyed camaraderie, flowing food with the reunion and stories each year.  With a remarkable memory that many might envy, Sewell was an excellent storyteller and loved sharing his experiences and interest in history with his children, siblings, and many extended relations and friends. 

He was a lifelong IU fan, especially in the Bob Knight era and of course a Vols fan.  He also enjoyed the Colts and the Pacers and attended some Pacer games with children in the ABA days.  He enjoyed wrestling, fake or not.  This was a taste he acquired from his mama Effie!

Sewell was a fighter, an overcomer, and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. 


To view Sewell's funeral service virtually, please use this link.