Vernon McDowell Rader

Vernon McDowell Rader, 90, of Morganton, NC died Wednesday, April 20, 2016. Born in Burke County, NC on June 27, 1925, he was the son of the late Charlie Todd Rader and Lula Florence Davis Rader. Vernon was a devoted member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church.
Vernon was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 18. After his first few months in combat he was captured by the Nazi army in Italy. Vernon was then transferred to a prison camp in Munich, Germany for eight months before being liberated. He earned a Purple Heart for being wounded and a Bronze Star for his bravery in combat, risking his life to save others. Upon returning to the United States, Vernon met his wife of 55 years, Laura Jean Rader, and went on to own and operate his grocery store, Rader’s.
He will always be known for his kindness, quick-wit, infectious smile, and loving personality. He was a great father, husband, businessman, and community leader.
Vernon is survived by his wife, Mildred Yarborough Leatherman Rader of Morganton, NC; a son, Brian McDowell Rader and his wife, Glenda, of Valdese, NC; a daughter, Dana Lynn Rader of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Brian McDowell Rader, II, Anissa Demiter, and Heather Witherspoon; step-grandchildren, Drew, Joseph, and David Hoyle; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Arnita Garrison of Morganton; a special niece, Judy Jackson Hensley; and a number of other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents and his first wife, Laura Jean Rader, Vernon was preceded in death by a brother, Davis Rader; sisters, Mae Rhodes, Stella Suddreth, Annabel Hood, Gena Oliver, and Georgia Jackson.
The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 p.m., Friday, April 22, 2016 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 23, 2016 at North Morganton United Methodist Church with the Rev. Burt Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by the N.C. National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.