John Vernon; Libertarian Official, Caterer

John Vernon, a Los Angeles caterer known as “the omelet king” who was state chairman and a frequent political candidate of the Libertarian Party, has died at age 53.

Vernon died Sunday in his Van Nuys home of AIDS, his sister, Mary Kathryn Vernon, said.

He most recently ran for elective office last year, when he was one of 10 candidates running for state Senate in the 20th District and at the same time campaigned for a seat in the 40th Assembly District. Both districts are in the San Fernando Valley.

Vernon advocated repealing recent increases in sales and state income taxes, a state hiring freeze and the school voucher proposal that was defeated Tuesday.

Active in national as well as state and local libertarian politics, Vernon frequently sought the party’s nomination as a candidate for vice president of the United States.

He was a prolific writer of ballot arguments opposing initiatives and contributed commentary to several California newspapers.

“To describe us accurately,” Vernon told The Times last year, “you should say: ‘Libertarians promote a synthesis of the principles of voluntary action, individualism, the free market, and respect for the free choices of individuals in all areas of life, while recognizing the individual’s responsibility for the results of his own choices.’ ”

This year, Vernon received the Karl J. Bray award for conspicuous and meritorious activism, the highest award given by the California Libertarian Party, which he chaired in 1989.

A native of Cushing, Okla., Vernon began his food service career working in a grocery store’s butcher department. He first won public attention in 1971, when he made 1,800 omelets at the Oklahoma City Art Festival. He soon opened an omelet shop and another highly rated restaurant, Chez Vernon.

He moved to Southern California in 1976 and established a catering business specializing in omelet brunches.

In addition to his sister, Vernon is survived by a niece and nephew and by his longtime companion, Reese O’Crotty.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at West Hills Church of Religious Science.