Vernon Joseph Freitas passed away on August 1, 2014, in Saratoga Springs, Utah. He was born July 29, 1918, in Red Bluff, CA. He lived in Northern California for seventy years except for the four years he served in the United States Army during WWII. He attended Chico State University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in education. He was an accomplished athlete in football, baseball and track. He was inducted into the Chico State Hall of Fame in 1992. He taught school for several years in Northern California and eventually became an administrator. He was principal of Lincoln Street Elementary for several years and became Superintendent of elementary schools in Corning, California. After retiring, Vernon moved with his wife Earleen to Lake Tapps, WA where they shared a home with their daughter Jan. They lived there until 2010 when Earleen passed away. Vernon and Jan then moved to Saratoga springs. Vernon and Earleen Wray were married on Oct. 4, 1942, while he was on leave from the Army. They are the parents of five children, daughter Jan (David) Cozart of Saratoga Springs, UT, daughter Melissa (Ron) Wakley of Downey, ID, son Douglas Freitas of Red Bluff, CA, son Peter (Lynette) Freitas of Salina UT and daughter Sabrina (David) Bowman of Chester, IL. They also have 19 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Vernon always enjoyed his kids, grandkids, sports and gardening. Those were his passions. Vernon and Earleen served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Norfolk, Virginia in 1994. They also served in the Seattle Temple for twelve years. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2014, at 11:00 am in the Downey LDS 2nd ward chapel, Bishop Rick Armstrong officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday morning from 10:00-10:45 am at the church prior to the service. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Horsley’s Marsh Valley Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.horsleyfuneralhome.com