Vernon "Slim" James Eilers

Vernon “Slim” James Eilers, 82, of Crosby, Texas, gained his angel wings on September 19, 2018. Vernon was born on December 13, 1935 in Highlands, Texas to Ervin Charles and Justine Pauline (Evans) Eilers.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Justine Eilers; brother, Charles Eilers and wife Berna; sister, Joyce Kratky; and infant brother, Donald Eilers.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Johnelle; daughters, Deeana Bartholow and husband Ralph, and Mary Eilers; sons, Vincent Eilers and wife Vicki, Aaron Eilers, Patrick White and wife Kathy, and Michael White and wife Eve; grandchildren, Jessica Wiley and husband Cody, Lauren Mangum and husband Caleb, Jacob Bartholow, Ty Bartholow, Nathan White, and Andrew Eilers; greatgrandchildren, Kaylee Wiley, Taylor Wiley, and Lane Wiley; brother, David Eilers and wife Martha; fur babies, Rosie and Sophie; and of course his beloved donkey, Burrito.

Vernon graduated from Crosby High School in 1954 as Mr. CHS. He received a scholarship from Houston Fat Stock Show and went on to attend and graduate from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. Slim served his country and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army.

Slim worked on his family’s dairy farm for many years and then later worked as a ranch hand on the Barnhart Ranch. He owned Eilers Mobil station in Crosby for many years before retiring from Sysco Food Services. During his retirement, Slim kept busy while working for Crosby Office Supply, Equipco Rental, and most recently has been serving the community as an Ambassador at Sterling-White Funeral Home.

Slim has been an active member in the Crosby community for many years. He was a member of the Crosby Go Texan Committee, Lonestar Farmers Association, the Texas Dairy Famers Association, and a lifetime member of Crosby Fair and Rodeo. He was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 63 years, participated in the St. Vincent de Paul Society and served as Chairman of the Crosby Czech Fest for 5 years.

In his free time, Vernon enjoyed raising cattle, woodworking, gardening and watching westerns. Vernon loved to dance, spend time napping at the beach and traveling. Slim loved to spend time in Bolivar with his wife, family and, of course, Rosie and Sophie.

Slim was a very kind, loving and gentle gentleman who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, September 24, 2018 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Sterling-White Funeral Home; A rosary will begin at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 915 Runneburg Road, Crosby, Texas on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Sterling-White Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Sterling-White Funeral Home, 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Road, Highlands, Texas 77562. To send the family condolences please visit, www.sterlingwhite.com