Vernon Shackelford Jr., known to family and friends as Junior, passed away peacefully at home in Bonne Terre, Missouri, on Saturday, October 17, 2026. He was 76 years old.
Born December 24, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of Louise Hill and Vernon Shackelford Sr. His mother later married William “Bill” Foxx, who was a father to him and a beloved part of the family.
He served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1972 before returning to civilian life.
A lifelong Missourian, Vernon worked for decades as a foreman at Laclede Gas Company in St. Louis before retiring. He eventually left the St. Louis area for Bonne Terre, preferring quiet small-town life. In retirement he lived for the outdoors—hunting first, then fishing—and hunting season was his favorite time of year; he rarely missed a morning out.
Those who knew him remember a man always willing to lend an ear or a hand whenever someone needed help.
He was married to Nancy Shackelford for 33 years (1968–2001), and later divorced. Vernon is survived by his children, Paul Shackelford and Deborah Hegel; his brother Mark Foxx and sister Beverly Ryan; three grandchildren, Preston, Porter, and Peyton Hegel; and two great-grandchildren, Lucille and Sunny. He was preceded in death by his brother, Louis Shackelford.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, followed by funeral services at 12:30 PM on Thursday, November 5, 2026, both at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63123.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Vernon’s memory may be made to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation: mochf.org/donate-online