by Karen Yvonne Hamilton, 2026

ACTIVELY RESEARCHING. CHANGES, ADDITIONS, PHOTOS WELCOMED!

Vernon P. Gomes was born on July 14, 1926, to Nellie Mary Hamilton, age 20, and Joaquin F “King” Gomes, age 28.

Joaquin (King) Gomes
Photo captions differ. One photo says: “Nellie HAMILTON Gomes holding Son Gomes, Florinda GOMES Hamilton holding Buddy Padilla on Mormon Key”. A copy of this photo says “Rosalie and Nellie Hamilton”. At any rate, ONE of these women is Nellie Hamilton Gomes.
Vernon Philip Gomes as a toddler

SIBLINGS

  • William Leo was born September 13, 1923, in Everglades City, Florida
  • Harold Ray was born on June 10, 1934, in Key West, Florida.
  • Franklin D R was born in 1939.
  • Nellie Paula was born in 1947.

MARRIAGE


Vernon P. Gomes married Marjorie Lou Freeman in 1944 when he was 18 years old.

CHILDREN

Children listed in Vernon’s obituary are as follows. It is unclear whether these children are from his marriage to Marjorie or to Linda.

INFORMATION ON VERNON’S CHILDREN IS NEEDED!

MILITARY


In 1944, Vernon registered for the draft.

Vernon enlisted in the Army on 12 Oct 1945 at Camp Blanding, Florida. In May 1945, he was in the Infantry Aid Station for “food poisoning or intestinal infection due to other bacterial infection.” He was released the same day. 

In June 1945 Vernon was admitted to the Station Hospital with a wound in his shoulder caused by artillery shell and for hepatitis. He was treated with penicillin and discharged in August 1945.

DIVORCE

Vernon and Marjorie Lou Freeman were divorced in June 1959 in St Lucie, Florida, after 15 years of marriage.

2nd MARRIAGE

In April 1965, Vernon married Linda Anne McCoon in Monroe, Florida.

DEATH

Vernon Philip Gomes died on December 20, 1973, in Clewiston, Florida, when he was 47 years old.

SOURCES

1935 U.S. Census; 1940 U.S. Census; U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010; Florida Marriage Collection, 1822-1875 and 1927-2001; Florida Divorce Index, 1927-2001; News-Press Fort Myers, Florida, USA 24 Dec 1973; U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1861-1985; U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946; World War II Hospital Admission Card Files, 1942-1954

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY FACEBOOK GROUP: Consider joining our group for more on Florida Keys History.

FLORIDA EVERGLADES HISTORY FACEBOOK GROUP: Consider joining our group for more on Florida Everglades History.