Vernard Marston, a 49 year resident of Poway, died with his family at his side on August 24, 2021. Vern was a loving husband, father, grandfather, community banker, retired USAF Lt. Colonel, and long time member of the Poway Chamber of Commerce.

Vern was born in Machias, Maine to Austin and Mary Marston on June 24, 1931. He grew up in Machias and later in Boston. He graduated from Boston English High School and then attended Fisher Business School. In 1951, he enlisted in the air force and was selected for Aviation Cadets, graduating first in his class. Vern was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to pilot training in Moultrie, Georgia. During his air force career he flew the KC-135 Stratotanker and other airplanes. As a command pilot he led many missions all over the world including over Vietnam. Vern earned a Masters in International Relations from USC and retired at March Air Force Base in 1972.

In 1973, he settled his family in Poway where he started his second career as a bank manager for what is known now as Union Bank. Vern was passionate about the local business community and helped finance many of the businesses we see along Poway Road today. He was a leader in the community through his work with the Chamber of Commerce serving as president, board member, and ambassador. In fact, during the campaign to make Poway a city, Vern coined the slogan, "Poway, the City in the Country."

Vern's greatest joy was his family. He met his wife Del Rey in 1956 while stationed in Rapid City, SD and married December 28, 1957. Together, they raised four children and were blessed with eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. During their 40 year marriage they loved travel, theater, and spending time with family.

Vern is preceded in death by his wife Del Rey who passed in 1998. Vern is survived by family members: daughter Lisa (husband Paul) of Mission Viejo, grandson John and granddaughter Kristin, son Paul (wife Julie) of Groton, Mass., grandson Bennett and granddaughter Claire, son Greg (wife Sondra) of O'Fallon, Il., grandsons Kendall and Brady, great-grandson Julius, and daughter Beth, grandson Steven (wife Audrey), great-grandson Jace, great-granddaughters Peyton and Skylar Del Rey and granddaughter Hannah.

There will be a viewing at Poway-Bernardo Mortuary in Poway on Sept. 2 from 4-8 pm. The funeral service will follow the next day on Sept. 3 at 11 am, followed by military honors at Dearborn Memorial Park at 1 pm.

You are welcome to sign the online guestbook at PowayBernardomortuary.net

-In lieu of flowers donations may be made to