He was born in Staunton April 16, 1946, the son of Joseph Vern Fairchilds Sr. and Betty Barnhart Wampler Fairchilds.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cheryl Lackey Fairchilds; son Page Barnhart Fairchilds and wife Holly; grandsons Isaac Ryan Fairchilds and Gabriel O’Brien Fairchilds; brother Charles Fairchilds (Karen); sister Betty Karol Wilson (Charles); niece Hannah Fairchilds; nephews Cameron Fairchilds, Sean Fairchilds (Kim) and Derek Fairchilds (Chelsey); and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

A 1968 graduate of Bridgewater College, he went on to work there for 39 years, the majority of it as the director of financial aid. As a friend wrote “there are thousands of men and women ... who were able to fulfill their ambitions and now every day contribute in untold ways to their families, employers, and communities because Vern enabled them to thrive and succeed.”

An avid gardener of day lilies and tomatoes and a fan of athletics, he was also known for his love of music and telling jokes.

Most of all he loved his family and cherished time together with them. To the very end he wanted to be sure that they were doing well and their futures were secure. He was a planner extraordinaire.

There will be a private burial on Thursday morning, Nov. 13. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. at Lexington Presbyterian Church followed by a reception in the social hall.

Memorial donations may be made to Rockbridge Rock Steady Boxing, 68 Forest Hill View, Lexington, VA 24450; the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1359 Broadway, room 1509, New York City, NY 10018-7867; or the Scholarship Fund, Lexington Presbyterian Church, 120 S. Main St., Lexington, VA.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.

NG