ROCKFORD - Vern L. Davitt, 83 of Rockford went to be with his Lord Feb. 14, 2013. He was born on Oct. 21, 1929 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Henry and Leatha Davitt. He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and graduated from Drake University Law School. Married Ann (Bradley) Davitt on Apr. 2, 1953 in Des Moines. Practiced law in Rockford, IL. A long time member of Temple Baptist Church and the Christian Legal Society. Was on the local and international boards of Child Evangelism Fellowship and the local La Voz Latina board. Served with The Gideons and was an active supporter of the Rockford Lao community. He is survived by wife Ann, and children, Barb (Don) Johansen, David (Julie) Davitt, Russ (Laurie) Davitt, all of Rockford, and Brad (Melissa) Davitt of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Laura (Joe) Mullikin, John, Kelsey, Jenna, Mason, Ethan, Colin, Aiden Davitt; siblings, Susan McNally, Richard Davitt, and Nancy Berardi. Predeceased by his parents and brother, Anthony Davitt. He loved spending time with his family, gardening, being a docent at Anderson's Japanese Gardens, traveling, and was always looking to help others in need. Above all, he loved the Lord as his personal Savior.
Visitation at 10:00 a.m., Saturday Feb. 23, at Temple Baptist Church, 3215 East State Street, Rockford; followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship or The Gideons International.