04/08/2026
Vernon Louis Rivers, Sr. developed his love for forestry at a young age, logging alongside his father in the community of Blue Lake along the banks of the Sabine River. By the age of 12, he was already managing a 5’3” pulp wood measuring stick and using a bow saw to cut pulp wood, eventually advancing to the role of mule skinner. After graduating from Ebarb High School in 1964, he served in the US Army until 1968, stationed at Fort Polk and in Germany, before pursuing a degree in forestry at Northwestern State University.
Born to Sam A. Rivers, Sr. and Mary Louise Ebarb Rivers, Vernon grew up in a large family with 12 siblings. He was previously married to the beloved Theresa Rivers, with whom he had 5 children, and for the past 22 years, he has been happily married to Mary Rivers. Together, they have built a beautiful family, which now includes nine children, 26 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
In 1977, Vernon established Vernon Rivers Logging Co. and later Rivers Trucking Co., creating numerous job opportunities while making contributions to his community and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he served in various roles. He was a trailblazer in the logging industry, introducing innovations such as the first enclosed skidder with air conditioning, the first folding pole trailer, and the first high-speed disc feller buncher saw, among others. Demonstrating a strong commitment to his employees, he offered health insurance, covering half of their premiums.
Vernon was honored with the 1991 Logger of the Year award in Louisiana and named the top logger in a five-state region—Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. His outstanding contributions were highlighted on the cover of the February 1991 issue of Southern Logging Times.
Over the course of 22 years, he managed these businesses and continued to operate logging machinery and drive log trucks until the age of 66. In addition to his logging accolades, Vernon is also an inventor, holding a patent for a shooting stabilizer apparatus. Since retiring, he has embraced leisure activities like hunting and fishing, and cherishing time spent with his family.
He is thrilled to be chosen as the Oldest Logger and warmly invites everyone to join the festivities at the Zwolle Loggers and Forestry Festival.
