Lavern "Vern" Gulley of Rockford departed this earthly life March 30, 2026. He was born March 14, 1943, in Chidester, Arkansas, the son of Leroy and Hannie Gulley. Lavern lived in Rockford since 1962 coming from Chidester. He married the former Odessa Alexander, November 23, 1963. Lavern was employed as a heavy equipment operator by Rockford Blacktop for 27 years before retiring, and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local  #150. He was employed by the Illinois Urban League  assisting  minorities in learning the Heavy Equipment Operating trade as well as finding employment. Lavern was a member of Westside Church of Christ serving as an Elder. He loved to fish and hunt. He graduated from Pleasant Hill High School.

Lavern leaves to cherish many loving memories, his wife: Odessa Gulley; two sons, James (Tammy) Gulley and Kevin (Wendy) Gulley; five grandchildren, Marquis (Melissa), Jaylin, Jordyn, Taylor and Chase; six great grandchildren, Jadon, Aryanna, Malakai, Nuriyah, Kyson and Eli;  brother, Truman (Barbara) Gulley; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by parents Leroy Gulley and Hannie Bates; two sisters, Leester Evans and Joyce Sago.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2026, at Westside Church of Christ, 1523 Morgan Street. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.