Vernon Lee Ealey

Born in Ft. Lupton Co. in 1936 to Lela Opal Barkhoff and Jesse Ealey, Vern spent his early years on a farm outside of Keenesburg, moving as a young boy with his parents and siblings, Rita and Glen, to Bross St. in Longmont.

Vern graduated from Longmont High and shipped off to the U.S. Navy where he was assigned duty on a submarine. After one especially rough landing on the seabed, he requested and received transfer to the wood shop on the USS Nereus, where his life-long passion for woodworking was sparked.

After discharge, Vern returned to Longmont where he met his first wife, Kathy Spenner, at the Longmont Trojan Theater. They married in 1959.

Vern then began his firefighting career at Rocky Flats, retiring in 1992. His years as a firefighter were some of his best, and stories of his service and the camaraderie of his fellow firemen some of his most treasured.

Vern, Kathy and their kids, Vince and Renee, spent much of their summers at their place on Lake McConaughy where Vern loved to fish and pull his kiddos around the lake on waterskis.

Cancer took Kathy in 1995, but Vern was twice lucky, and met and married the second love of his life, Nancy Abernathy, in 2000. Together they enjoyed retirement and travelled often across the country.

Vern was a gentle, giving soul and is survived by his wife, Nancy; children Vince (Connie) Ealey; Renee (Chris) Oxley; Steven (Alison) Rademacher; and Kristi Herbst. Grandchildren, Alex, Celena, Lucas, Carter, Jack, Kody, Kyle, Aura, and his faithful doggy, Louie.

Visitation scheduled at Howe Mortuary, Thursday December 2, 2021 11:30am, funeral service at 1:00 pm, followed by burial at Foothills Garden of Memory. Reception to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to your local Meals on Wheels. Please visit howemortuary.com to share personal condolences.