Vernon T. 'Sonny' Tennant, 79

Vernon T. “Sonny” Tennant, 79, of Missoula, passed away Aug. 6, 2015, at the Stevensville Living Center.

He was born April 17, 1936, in Kalispell, the son of the late Vernon and Mary Tennant. Vern was raised in Kalispell. During his high school years he found a passion for sports, in which he excelled in football. He graduated from Flathead High School—Home of the Braves in 1955. After high school Vern became a Grizzly on the football team as a fullback on the 1956 roster.

In 1958 he joined the Navy and was stationed in Hawaii for three years, before returning to Kalispell. In 1961, Vern went to a dance where he laid eyes on Audrey and an instant love for eachother was formed. They married in 1961 and quickly began a family. Vern was a hard worker and a great family man. He worked for Meadow Gold for 30 years before retiring. He had the ability to get everyone’s attention with his whistling.

He loved to watch sports, had many “secret” fishing holes, challenged all to pinochle and cribbage, and enjoyed dancing with his wife at the Accordion Club dances.

Vern is survived by his wife of 54 years, Audrey, of Missoula; and three sons, Richard and Julie Gebhardt of Ronan, Rocky and Sue Ellen of Delaware and Montana, Kirk and Lori Tennant of Stevensville; two daughters, Janet Turney of Victor, and Julie and Mike Weiner of Wisconsin; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, one brother, George, and one, sister, Louis, of Kalispell.

The family suggests to celebrate the life of Vern, crack open a beer and enjoy. Here’s to you, Dad!

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.