Vernon Hugh Thomson was born to Gladys Polston and Daniel Thomson on January 29, 1954 in McGregor, Texas. He left this life and entered into his heavenly kingdom on July 26, 2026 in Manitou Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ann.
Vern married the love of his life, Kathy Yager, on December 12, 1971. Vern is survived by his wife Kathy, three sons: Vernon Thomson Jr. (Stacy), M.J. Thomson (Missi), Dusty Thomson (Kacy), three grandchildren: Ty, Ashlyn, Jake, and a multitude of nieces and nephews and his church congregation.
Vern left Texas to come to Colorado with the Bill Bacon band when he was 16 years old and eventually started the Vern Thomson Show. He started with the Flying W Wranglers in 1975 and led the band until 2005. In 2005, Vern and bandmates Joe Stevenson and Scott Vaughn started Colorado Wranglers Cowboys for Jesus. In 2008, they returned to the Flying W Ranch to start Church on the Ranch. Vern and Joe later left Church on the Ranch to start Colorado Cowboys for Jesus. Along with singing and preaching in his church, he worked in the prayer center at Charis Bible College for several years.
Over the years, Vern has blessed our community by pastoring churches for 21 years, volunteering as a CSPD Police Chaplain, becoming President of Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as President of Pikes Peak Country Attraction Association. He was a member of the Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, and Honorary EPSO Sheriff’s Deputy.
Vern had the honor of playing music all over the world. He played at Carnegie Hall, Grand Ole Opry, in London England, with the Colorado Symphony, and the Kennedy Center. He appeared with artists such as Bobby Bare, Waylon Jennings, Faron Young, Reba McEntire, Ernest Tubb, Moe Bandy, Keith Whitley, Roger Miller, and Tanya Tucker. He even had the pleasure of singing for President Reagan as well as several US and Foreign dignitaries.
Vern’s greatest love and passion was for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He loved sharing his testimony through songs and stories. Vern was a phenomenal storyteller and used this gift to bless thousands of people who came to hear him at the Flying W Ranch and his churches. His voice was unmatched and unmistakable. He used the gifts he was given by God to touch all of our lives. His faith was not only something he preached, but something he lived daily through prayer, service, music, and compassion for others. Whether on stage, in church, or in conversation, Vern had a way of making people laugh, listen, and feel seen.
Vern Thomson - Preacher, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, Storyteller, Entertainer, and Faithful Servant, thank you for all of your love. We love you “Whole Lot Big Lot”. See you soon.
