Vern Kuhn

Donald “Vern” Kuhn left this earthly home on April 20, 2018, when Jesus said “Let’s ride” and Vern answered the call. Born on May 18, 1953 to Don and June (Lennon) Kuhn in La Junta, Colorado. He attended Fort Bent School, North La Junta School and graduated from La Junta High School. Vern married his high school sweetheart, Anita Smith, on May 19, 1973, in Las Animas, CO. Vern was a hardworking man who loved God, his wife and their five children.

Horses and the agricultural way of life were his passion. Vern spent much of his working life right here in the Arkansas Valley, starting with a 13 mile paper route through La Junta Gardens, a carry out boy for Chet’s market, La Junta Livestock, R.J. Nelson, DVM, Chico Feed yard, Winter Livestock, and Rocky Ford Feeders. Vern did ranch work in Westcliffe, Hasty, Brush and Chivington, Colorado. He spent 9 years in the horsemanship program at the Colorado Boys Ranch and was amazed and thankful at how a horse could heal a broken boy. He most recently spent 12 years with DeBourgh Mfg. He spent many years working with Fellowship of Christian Cowboys, 4-H, and riding with the Mill Iron Wranglers.

He was a member of the River of Life Church and enjoyed men’s bible studies at First Southern Baptist, Valley Community, and Pioneer Christian School.

Vern was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis in October 2017, at which time he retired.

He is survived by his wife, Anita, of their Cheraw home. In addition, he is survived by children, Jovie (Bruce) Butler of Rocky Ford, Katie (Cornelius) Jordan of Denver, Mara (Dominic) Romero of Rocky Ford, Zach (Shannon) Kuhn of Crowley, and Brienne (Levi) Hansen of Cheraw. He was lovingly called “Papa Vern” by 13 wonderful grandkids: JaSanna, Eddie, Josh, and Beau Butler; Amelia Jordan; Zoey Romero; Austin, Hunter, Tanner and Khloe Kuhn; Jason, Remington and Randen Hansen. Vern was looking forward to grandchild #14, Baby Romero in July.

Additionally, he is survived by siblings Holly (Jim) McCuistion of Sugar City, and Helen “Stormy” (Jim) Robinson of Pueblo; Danny, Carl, and Monte Kuhn of Alaska.

He was proceeded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Jane Kuhn, Lynn and Helen Lennon; mother, June Schleich; step-dad, Bill Schleich; father, Donald Kuhn; uncle, Arthur Lennon; aunt, Joan Casebolt; mother-in-law, Rosella Smith; nephew, Dalton Kerr; great nephew, Yancie McCuistion.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the River of Life Fellowship in Ordway with Pastor Jeb Brown officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in La Junta.

Contributions may be made to Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, 19344 Innes Market Rd., Bend, OR 97703, or a charity of your choice direct or through the funeral home.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.