Vernon DeForest Stotts

Vernon DeForest Stotts died on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at The Pines in Easton. He was 87. Born November 4, 1927, in Alberta, MN, he was the son of the late Vincent DeForest and Anne Bertina Oyen Stotts. Vernon came from a large farm family of ten children. As a child, he worked on the farm and attended a one room schoolhouse through 8th grade. He graduated from Appleton High School in 1945, and served in the Air Force (Army Air Corps) from February 1946 to January 1949 as a draftsman stationed in Fairbanks, AK. He attended college at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, graduating in 1953. Initially, he planned to major in civil engineering, but upon learning one could receive a degree in "wildlife" he changed his major. After graduating from UMN, Vern had the opportunity to conduct research on black duck breeding biology in Maryland. This work supported his master of science degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign. In 1955, Vernon became waterfowl program manager for the MD Game and Inland Fish Commission, now known as the MD Department of Natural Resources, and served this role until he retired in 1981. In a letter to his mother, Vernon indicated some apprehension in moving to Maryland, but through mutual friends, Vern soon met Shirley Jean Bowman. After an exciting romance that included banding ducks, Bay island hopping, and other outdoor experiences, they were engaged to be married under the old windmill on the farm in Appleton, MN. Vernon and Shirley were married in 1959, and had two children and three grandchildren. He was the only one of the 10 Stotts siblings who moved from Minnesota. In 1982, The Wildlife Society awarded him a Special Recognition Service Award "for pioneering work in waterfowl management in the Chesapeake Bay area." He continued to work in the wildlife field after retiring, working as a private consultant conducting many projects for both the Canadian and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State of Maryland. In his free time, Vernon enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, playing cards, listening to and telling jokes, and spending time with friends and family. He was known for his dry sense of humor, and his love of Ole and Lena jokes. Vernon is survived by his children, a son, Daniel B. Stotts (Laura Mitchell) of Sudlersville, MD; a daughter, Donna L. Stotts (James Slacum) of Hurlock, MD; three grandchildren, Andrew Lloyd, Ian Stotts, and Travis Stotts; five sisters, Carolyn Lydeen, Shirley Sallen (Donnie), Deanna Hoffman, Elizabeth Carlin (Dan), Katy Trevis; and one brother, Roger Stotts. He also leaves behind brother-in-law, Curt Larson, and sister-in-law, Betty Lou Bowman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Minnesota and Maryland. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Bowman Stotts; two sisters, Ione Stotts Rooney and June Stotts Larson; and one brother, Donald Stotts. A gathering will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2015, from 6-8 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, 200 S. Harrison St. in Easton, MD. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 20, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy of Maryland/DC, 5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Vernon DeForest Stotts

November 4, 1927 - September 19, 2015