Vernon LeRoy Peoples' Obituary
Vernon Leroy Peoples was born on October 20, 1953 in Saint Louis, Missouri to the union of Veo Peoples, Sr.
and Octavia Richardson. He was the youngest of three sons and had a close relationship with his father whom
he shared the gift of gab.
Vernon was a precious child with a loud voice and a knack for numbers. He enjoyed having granular discussions/
debates of baseball statistics with his older brothers from the time he was barely past kindergarten. Vernon was
determined to kick around with his older brothers while playing sandlot baseball games. So, he became the
designated-pitcher, the rule being any ball hit back to him was an automatic out, to keep him from getting hurt.
Vernon lettered in wrestling at Beaumont High School on teams led by well-known stars such as Larry Pruitt and
Michael Calvin. He was treasurer for his high school social club, the El Dushays, and was active in other
activities, including the national honor society. Upon graduation from Beaumont in the class of ’71, he
matriculated at the University of Missouri in Saint Louis (UMSL), while working at National Car Rental at Lambert
International Airport. His freshman year at UMSL coincided with Reginald Dickson’s startup of INROADS, Inc.;
and, Vernon’s success in Calculus, earned him a gig with Reggie, tutoring his fellow Inroads classmates. His
father worked at McDonnell Douglas which afforded him paid internships every year while he was an
undergraduate.
After graduation from college, Vernon was recruited onto Ralston Purina’s UDA Plant managerial accounting
team for their Pet Foods Division. He began as a trainee in the Dunkirk, New York, then promoted into
management and transferred to their plant in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He met his first wife, Denise Ballard
in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After a few years there, he was once again promoted and transferred to their plant
in Columbus, Ohio where their two daughters were born, Nijel and Amantha. Ultimately, he was promoted to their
headquarters in Saint Louis in 1986 where he served in several managerial positions in Purina’s Commodities
Division, including becoming the Division Comptroller.
Vernon was an avid golfer and community volunteer. He always had a smile on his face, an opinion to share
about politics or sports and advice about life matters. Affectionately called “VP” by his co-workers and being
“that guy” during the Ralston/Purina integration, Vernon was always ready to represent the company on the golf
course, Saint Louis Cardinal ball games or community service events until his retirement in 2016, after
thirty-nine years of service.
Vernon wed his last dance partner and love of his life, Paula Bailey in 2004. They were best friends enjoying
MSNBC, baseball, travel, dancing and entertaining. He was blessed with two bonus sons, Brian and Robert,
through this union and embraced and cherished his role as an additional male role model.
Once retired he held office with his home owners association and took up gardening. He often shared his
tomatoes, peppers, gardening tips and barge knowledge, inviting family and friends to their home on the bluffs of
the Mississippi to enjoy the view, some barbeque ribs and “spirits”.
He loved his Peoples! Even though he came from a small immediate family, he had a large extended one of which
they were blessed to have close relations and enjoyed annual family reunions and vacations. Vernon always had
a good time and was often the life of the party, especially sitting in a front row seat when his cousin Theo Peoples
was a headliner at local venues like Bartolino’s. You could find him and Paula “bopping” to the soulful sounds of
a Motown Review.
Vernon’s love of baseball came from his mother. He was a Saint Louis Cardinals season-ticket holder cheering
them on at every championship, especially when he lived blocks away from the stadium. If you went to a game
with him you understood it is not over until it is over. His love for the game of golf was without compare and he
enjoyed the comradery of the green although he often joked he would not be the next Tiger Woods.
Vernon was a husband, father and friend, but his most cherished title was being “Papa” to his three bambinos;
John Vernon “JV”, Jeremiah and Jacob. Often travelling to Minneapolis by train to celebrate their birthdays every
year.
Vernon was hospitalized in December 2020 with complications from COVID-19. He came home over the holidays,
but returned due to damage to his heart and lungs. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his bonus son,
Brian un-expectantly in July.
A “special thanks” to Kelinda Peoples-Batiste, M.D. and Nijel Peoples, R.N. for being Vernon’s advocate,
providing medical guidance and keeping the family updated throughout his hospital care.
Vernon leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife ~ Paula Peoples; his daughters ~ Nijel and Amantha
Hubbard (John); three grandsons ~ John Vernon, Jeremiah and Jacob; one bonus son ~ Robbie; two brothers ~
Veo (Linda J.) and Leo (Linda R.); sister and brothers-in-law ~ Barbara Bailey, Cozy (Andrea), Anthony, Timothy and
Christopher; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins to whom he was a special uncle to; and a host of nieces and
nephews to both the Peoples, Ballard and Bailey families. He also leaves behind a host of golf buddies and dear
friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Vernon?
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