Vernon Vance Gruber, 59, died December 24, 2008 at Hospice House of Reno County, Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born December 20, 1949 at Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Vernon J. and Vada Pauline (Ford) Gruber. He was an oilfield roughneck. Mr. Gruber was a United States Navy veteran. Survivors include three daughters: Vangela Gruber, Las Vegas, Nevada; Vanity Gruber, Great Bend, Kansas; and Paula Gruber, Junction City, Kansas; one brother, John Gruber, Great Bend, Kansas; and three grandchildren. There will be no visitation. Interment will be at a later date at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery, Wakeeney, Kansas.