Jeffries Vernon Jefferson Jr., 89, of Tama, passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 at Grinnell Regional Medical Center-UnityPoint Health. Traditional Graveside Services will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama. A Traditional Wake will be held Monday evening at his home, 1575 305th St., on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama.

Vernon was born on May 23, 1930, in Toledo, Iowa, the son of Jeffries Jefferson and Isabelle Morgan.

Vernon served his country in the U.S. Army from May 2, 1951 until June 7, 1952 during the Korean War.

On February 4, 1961, he married Yvonne C. Roberts in Waterloo, Iowa. He was an iron worker. Vernon enjoyed traveling, dancing at Powwows, gardening, and attending and watching football. He also enjoyed working in his tire shop and working on native arts and crafts. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include children, William (Candace) Jefferson, Vern (Misty) Jefferson, Lavonne (Ty) Jefferson, and Lavern (Paula) Jefferson; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Yvonne Jefferson on November 6, 2010; son, Jeffrey Jefferson; and brothers, Rodney Papakee and Clyde Papakee.