Vern Fairchild was born Jan. 9, 1935 in Lincoln, to Douglas Alexander Fairchild and Florena Eulala (Zenor) Fairchild. He grew up in Lincoln, attending high school there and laying the foundation for a life rooted in the values of hard work, community, and service.
On Jan. 27, 1959, in the city where he was born and raised, Vern married the love of his life, Alice Lucille Thomas. For 40 years they built a home filled with laughter, faith, and family until Lucille was called home on Jan. 12, 1999. Together they welcomed two sons: James, born Nov. 4, 1961, and Robert, born April 28, 1964. The loss of their eldest son, James, on Jan. 26, 2017 weighed heavily on Vern’s heart, and today father and son are reunited, and he is once more with Lucille, his parents, and so many others who went before.
Vern’s life was marked by a deep sense of calling, first to his country and then to the communities he swore to protect. From 1955 to 1959 he served in the United States Navy aboard the destroyer USS Harry E. Hubbard (DD-748). After returning home, he began a distinguished career in law enforcement that spanned nearly four decades. He served with the Plattsmouth Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol before becoming Chief of Police in Louisville in 1965. Later that same year he took the helm as Chief of Police in Wayne, a position he held with honor until his retirement in 1995.
One of the proudest moments of Vern’s career came in January 1969, when he was selected as part of the inaugural honor guard for the President of the United States. Standing tall in Washington, he had the privilege of meeting the President and First Lady, an experience he cherished as a testament to the trust placed in him by his state and nation.
Beyond the badge, Vern gave tirelessly to his profession and his fellow officers. He served as President of the Police Officers’ Association of Nebraska, President of the Nebraska Association of Emergency Managers, and President of the Northeast Nebraska Sheriff’s and Peace Officers Association. His wisdom, calm leadership, and unwavering integrity left a lasting mark on law enforcement across the state.
Faith was central to Vern’s life. On April 10, 1965, he was baptized into the Methodist Church in Louisville, Nebraska, a public declaration of the quiet but steadfast belief that guided him every day.
Vern never forgot those who served. He was a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4626 in Lincoln, and he carried the gratitude of a grateful nation in his heart.
For decades, Vern poured himself into the lives of young people as an active leader in Boy Scouting. As Scoutmaster of Troop 175 and later he participated in Wood Badge, as one who trained other Scout leaders—he taught generations of boys not just how to tie knots or start a fire, but how to become men of character, responsibility, and kindness.
And oh, how Vern loved the outdoors. The crack of dawn on a crisp autumn morning, the hush of a blind at first light, the thrill of a limit of ducks or a fine Nebraska whitetail—these were the moments that renewed his soul. He shared countless hunting and fishing adventures with dear friends: deer camp with Roy and Lora Bauer out in Broadwater, and in later years, hunting near Martinsburg with Russ Marshall and friends. Those trips weren’t just about the game; they were about friendship, stories, and the peace that comes from wide-open spaces and good company.
Today we grieve, but we also give thanks, thanks for a man who lived with purpose; who protected the vulnerable, mentored the young, stood watch over his community, and loved his family fiercely. Vern Fairchild showed us what it means to serve, to lead by example, and to find joy in both duty and the simple gifts of creation.
Vern has laid down his watch. The fields and lakes he loved now welcome him home. And somewhere, we can imagine Lucille and James smiling as he walks through the gates to Heaven.
Rest easy, Chief. We’ve got it from here.
Until we meet again...
A Celebration of Vern’s Life will be 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street, Lincoln 68510. Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Wayne.
