Vernon S. Gunnion

Vernon S. Gunnion, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, after a brief illness.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Beth Johnson Gunnion; sister, Sallie (Bill) Sell; cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine Sheetz Gunnion and John Henry Gunnion; beloved son, Eric (1985), and wife, Jackie (2005).

A 1948 graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School, Vernon also served two years in the United States Army. He attended Millersville State Teacher’s College.

Vernon was Curator of Collections at Landis Valley Farm Museum. He always felt it was a pleasure to work there, never regarding his time there as a “job”. A knowledgeable antique dealer, Vernon specialized in southeastern PA furniture, especially schranks. He always said he learned from the best: the Hindens, the Shelleys, the Kindigs, the Freys, and the Bradleys. Vernon was always ready to share a special story about the world of antiques. He also was a buyer of antiques for his friend, William K. Du Pont, Delaware.

Vernon authored articles on schranks and peacock feather dusters for Antiques Magazine. He was also Guest Curator at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s exhibition, The Pennsylvania Germans, A Celebration of their Arts, 1683-1850. While at Landis Valley, he co-authored a book on Pennsylvania German Fraktur.

Dogs had a special place in Vernon’s heart; boxer, mastiff, mixed breeds, and more recently Shetland sheepdogs. Sheltie Dottie will miss the special treats Vernon slipped to her at the dinner table.

Honoring Vernon’s request, there will be no public service.

The family would like to thank the staff at Apostle Center for Care, Homestead Village, and Hospice for their excellent care Vernon received while he was there.