MENTOR — LaVerne O. “Bernie” Major, 93, of Mentor, died Monday, November 12, 2012 in Salina. He was born December 13, 1918 on a farm near Gypsum, the son of Thomas and Florence (Walker) Major.

He married Virginia Lilly on September 14, 1941, and entered the United States Army in January 1942. He served with the 35th Infantry Division throughout World War II, and received a Bronze Star. In 1951 he and Virginia moved to their new home in Mentor. In 1983 he retired as sales manager of Consolidated Printing and Stationery Co., having been with the company for 44 years, and retired from Salina Office Systems in 1994. He was a member of the Salina Noon Optimist Club, a 4-H club leader, and served in various capacities as a member of Mentor United Methodist Church.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Lawrence; brother, Alden and sisters Opal Melander and Inez Becker. Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Virginia; four children, Ron, of Mentor; Janelle Hernandez and husband Ed, of Salina, Jerry and wife Debbie, of Chapman and Bruce and wife Sara, of Hillsboro; six grandchildren, Monica (Matt) Gawith, Emily Hernandez (fiance Rhien Pounds), Grace, Charlie, and Lilly Major and Taylor Major; one brother, Edward Major, of Overland Park; one aunt, Martha Mattox, of Burlington and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 15, at Mentor United Methodist Church, Mentor. Private family burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina. Friends may sign the registerbook from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. Memorials may be made to Mentor United Methodist Church.