Vernon J. "Pokie" Brackett

Vernon J. “Pokie” Brackett, age 97, peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

He is survived by his children, Kevin (Linda) Brackett, Glenn Brackett and Mary (Stephen) Lorance, grandchildren Chrissy (Michael) Wilson, Julie (John) Menzyk, Katie (James) Mooney, Ryan (Naomi) Lorance, Cassie (Carmelo) Ricciardi, Sara (Robert) Susko, Mark Lorance and sixteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, parents Vernon C. and Helen Brackett and brother William “Bill” Brackett.

Vern was born February 23, 1928 in Hammond, IN and was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School. He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. He married Phyllis Pushckor in 1954 and raised their three children in Hammond and Highland, IN. He retired from Standard Steel Specialty Company in Hammond.  In retirement he lived in Griffith, IN.

He was an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears. Vern loved music and went through life usually singing to himself as he went along. He would often end a conversation, with friend or stranger, by saying “keep smiling”, which would inevitably make them smile. So whenever you think of Vern, “keep smiling”.

There will be no visitation. Vernon wished to be cremated. His cremated remains will be privately interred at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, a veterans cemetery in Elwood, IL.

In Vernon’s memory, please consider a memorial contribution to his favorite charity, the Salvation Army.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vernon J. "Pokie" Brackett, please visit our floral store.