Vernon Lee Ivey Jr

Vernon L. Ivey, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 24, 2026 at the age of 59.

Vern was born in Akron on December 17, 1966, and was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Kenmore High School in 1985 and joined the Marines. He went on to a career in law enforcement and security.

Vern was a protector by trade and at heart, but the titles of husband and dad were his proudest accomplishments. He was not afraid to tell anyone how awesome his family was, how proud he was of each of them, or how lucky he was to be their dad and husband. He was always there when you needed him and would help in any way he could, despite his health decline over the last 14 years, especially when it came to watching his fur-grandbabies. The family is going to miss his infectious smile and that laugh that quickly turned into a cough, which prompted us all to say, "smoke another one". What we'd give to hear that one more time...

Our family would like to give special thanks to the entire cardiac ICU team at Summa Akron City Hospital. These last two weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions, and the dedicated nurses, doctors, and surgeons have been there to laugh with us, cry with us, hug us tightly, and pray with us in his final moments this side of Heaven. They are part of our family now and we thank them for doing everything possible to try to save our special guy.

Vern was preceded in death by his loving parents Vernon Sr. and Daisy Ivey and his beautiful daughter McKenna Rae. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 28 years, Shelly (Herrick); his children, Nikki (Joe) Campbell, Dustin (pups Indigo & Abe) Ivey, Nicole (pups Winifred & Archie) Glatz, Tyler (pup Thor) Ivey, Brianna (pups Princess, Duke, Duchess) Ivey, Kellen Ivey, and Kiera Ivey; his pup, Bella; his brothers, Wayne (Wanda) Shultz & Bradley Shultz; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 29 from 6-8PM at the Anthony Funeral Homes, Akron Chapel, 1990 S Main St in Akron. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 30 at 12 Noon at the funeral home. Interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman at 2:15PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society, https://summithumane.org/.