Vernon L. Derstine , 90, formerly of Hatfield, Pa. passed away peacefully on November 9, 2021 at The Community at Rockhill, Sellersville.

Vern was born on September 13, 1931 in Souderton, to the late Alvin A. & Martha (Landis) Derstine. He was the loving husband of Miriam (Godshall) Derstine of Telford for 69 years. Vern and Mim were together since they were teenagers and adored one another. They were lifelong companions who had a strong shared faith in the Lord and were devoted to each other.

In Vern's youth, his interests included carpentry, farming and horses. During high school, his first job was farming for his uncle for a dollar a week. Later he became a truck driver for Lehigh Dairy. Vern attended night school at Temple University, while working for Lehigh Dairy, where he obtained a certification in dairy mixology. An entrepreneur even at this young age, Vern then started his own dairy delivery business on the side, with two trucks and one employee. At the end of each day after his full-time job ended, with loading help from his employee, he then proceeded to deliver milk for his own business.

In 1955, Vern and his brother Jim started V and J Derstine Trucking, where he served as President. After 20 successful years, they sold the business to Mopac where Vern became the Director of Transportation. After 10 years at Mopac, Vern left to begin his third and last trucking business, Derstine Leasing. Approximately 35 years later, he retired at the age of 83.

Vern enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, taking walks and maintaining his lawn. He also took pleasure in boating, golfing, snow skiing, watching football and baseball on TV and spending time at the mountains including Spruce Lake Retreat. Vern was a long-time member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church where he enjoyed the worship and fellowship. In his younger years, Vern was a board member for Penn Foundation, Univest and a commissioner for Hatfield Township. Vern was a hardworking, quick-witted, kind and generous Christian man who will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife Miriam, he is survived by his stepmother, Mary (Ehst) Derstine of Sellersville, two sons Lamar Derstine of Hatfield, Neil Derstine and wife Linda of Canada, daughter in law Rose Derstine of Souderton and daughter Yvonne Brouse and husband Frank of Hatfield.

Vern's five brothers include Clair Derstine (deceased) and wife Rosalie of Souderton, Kenny Derstine and wife Catherine of Souderton (deceased), James Derstine and wife Sylvia of Souderton, Carl Derstine and wife Sue (deceased) of Wilmington, NC and Glenn Derstine and wife Sylvia of Souderton.

Vern's ten grandchildren are Sherry Derstine and husband Jason Paonessa, Steve Derstine, Sandy Derstine Martin and husband Steve, Natalie Oskowitz and husband Joseph, Kristin Ridgway and husband David, Matthew Derstine and fiancé Marie Marc, Joshua Derstine and fiancé Erica Woodward, Shannon Brouse, Nicole Brouse and Jeriah Brouse.

Vern's eight great-grandchildren are Jessica, Nikolas, Jake, Lilly, Kayli, David, Maddie and Nevaeh.

A life celebration service will be held at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church, Blooming Glen Road, Blooming Glen, PA 18911, on Sunday November 28 at 4pm. All are welcomed to join the family for a light dinner in the fellowship hall following the service.

Burial will be private.

Blooming Glen Church recommends masks for all indoor activities and services.

The family would be grateful for any memory or picture of Vern that you'd like to share.  Please send to pausestrong2020@gmail.com .

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, Pennsylvania 18964. To send online condolences to the family, visit www.andersfh.com