Vernie Gene Quilling

Evans resident, Vernie Gene Quilling (88) passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, in Greeley, Colorado while surrounded by family members. Vernie was born on November 15, 1935, in Enid Oklahoma to Theodore and Beaulah (Cooper) Quilling. While in high school, he enjoyed being part of the marching band, a passion he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He graduated from Ponca City High School (Oklahoma) in 1954.

After high school, Vernie attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College, followed by a four-year tour of service in the U.S. Air Force. He met his wife, Helen Aitken, while stationed at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. Their loving marriage began with a chance meeting exactly 68 years and 1 day of his passing through a mutual friend Ann, who along with her husband George have remained close friends throughout the years.

Vernie and Helen were married on Saturday, May 20, 1956, at St, Francis de Sales Church in Denver, Colorado. Following his discharge from the Air Force, Vernie worked for several government contractors through Martin Marita, Beech Aerospace, and Sundstrand contributing to the Gemini and Titan aerospace projects. He then worked for IBM, retiring after 28 years.

During his retirement, Vernie relaxed doing the things he loved most; spending time with family and friends, fishing, camping, woodworking, and assembling his model train town with his son, Larry. Vernie enjoyed listening to a variety of music from classical and big band, to country western and traditional marches. He attended various music performances, including the annual TubaChristmas concerts where his son Mike and grandsons, Lance and Brad performed.

Vernie and Helen moved to Guffey, Colorado, where they enjoyed a somewhat "off the grid" living style for 5 years. They then moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma followed by a move to Manila, Utah where they enjoyed fishing and camping at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Eventually, they returned and settled in their current home in Evans, Colorado.

Vernie was an active member of his community volunteering for various food banks and as a member of the Knights of Columbus - St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greeley Colorado.

Vernie was proceeded in death by his parents, Theodore and Beaulah, his younger brother, Larry, and his youngest son, Kevin. He is survived by his wife, Helen of Evans, CO; Son, Larry of Longmont CO; Daughter Patty (Randy) of Brighton, CO; Son, Mike and wife Rosanna of Garden City, KS; 11 grandchildren - Aaron, Nathan, Chelsea, Sarah, Breeanna, Shawna, Lance, Brad, Derrick, Darrin, and David; 13 great grandchildren - Emerson, Makenzie, Genevieve, Josh, Mikaela, Tristan, Wyatt, Lily, Kannan, Levi, Mia, Adelina, and Ayden.

A funeral mass for Vernie will be held Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2222 23rd Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Vernie's memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306 US, https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/?_gl=1*1xn2ppg*_ga*MTc2MDQ1NzI3NC4xNzA1NTExNjM4*_ga_KKJBEGGEYM*MTcwNTUxMTYzOC4xLjAuMTcwNTUxMTYzOC42MC4wLjA.#!/donation/checkout.