Verdell A. Call

Afton, Wyoming – Long time Star Valley resident Verdell A. Call passed away on May 11, 2021 peacefully at home surrounded by his family.  Verdell was born in Afton on November 7, 1925 to Farnham and Lillie May Call.  Growing up poor during the height of the depression, he learned as a child how to assist in providing for the family during those difficult times.  This includes performing small tasks for family and friends who would provide food in exchange for Verdell’s help.  While still a young man he worked for his father as a carpenter, traveling with the family around the western United States in search of building and renovation projects during the 1930s.

Upon coming of age in 1943 Verdell volunteered for pilot training during the closing years of World War II.  Just missing out on participating in that war as a pilot, he successfully became an Air Force flyer in 1952 after completing college.  He flew mostly in B-47 and B-52 bombers during the height of the Cold War with the Soviet Union.  Those missions involved dangerous long duration flights all over the world in nuclear armed aircraft.  Verdell also flew combat missions in Vietnam for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross award.  After retiring from the Air Force in 1971 as a Lieutenant Colonel, Verdell moved back to Afton where he and his wife built their dream home.

Verdell was an avid sportsman, who enjoyed fishing and hunting in Star Valley and neighboring areas.  In the 1980s, he and his wife Mary travelled widely across the western United States in their trailer.  Verdell had a deep and abiding love of Star Valley, the State of Wyoming, and the independent way of life that is cherished in this part of our incredible country.

Verdell is survived by his two children from his first wife, Donnette Lloyd (divorced in 1956): Steven (Krista) Call and Danny Call; and by his three children from his second wife, Mary Frances Barcellos: Bradley Call, Vicki (Joseph) Hansen, and Judy (John) Albers.  He took great pride in his 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren as well. Verdell became best friends with Mary Ann Roland Call, of Afton, after the death of his wife Mary.

A grave site funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 18, at the Afton Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the veterans or humanitarian organization of your choice.