Vernon Floyd Gutierrez

Vernon Floyd Gutierrez, 81, of Kim, passed away Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the University Hospital in Denver.
    Vernon was born to Raymond & Mary Maude (Goodrich) Gutierrez on January 25, 1930 in La Junta, Colorado. He married the love of his life Mary Weigel on August 18, 1956.
   Vernon spent his life on the Gutierrez Ranch in Villegreen, Colorado except for the two years he served with the US Army overseas in Korea.  He had a passion for ranching and working with cattle. He worked for the Las Animas County Road and Bridge crew retiring in 1997 after 30 years with them. He also worked part time for his son, Donald on the Maverick Ranch. Vernon was very active in the CTA for 35 years. In his spare time he enjoyed 4-wheeling and shooting sports with the family and he loved to tell stories about the different areas of the ranch. He also spent a lot of time playing his guitar and his violin every chance he got.
    He is survived by his wife, Mary of the Kim home; sons, Timothy Gutierrez; Robert (Joann) Gutierrez, Donald (Chris) Gutierrez all of Kim; Ted (Sarah) Gutierrez of Bennett, CO;  brothers, Raymond Gutierrez; Alvin (Barbara) Gutierrez both of Villagreen; sister-in-law, Betty Gutierrez of La Junta; seven grandchildren, Timothy, Jr., Brenda, Ashley, Jessica, Ben, George, and Abby; and a great-grandson, Nickolas.
    Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond & Mary Maude Gutierrez; three brothers, Ben, Charlie, and Gavin Gutierrez; two sisters, Evangeline Gutierrez & Marjorie Bergener; and two nieces, Fay & Rita.
    Memorial service will be Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kim High School Gymnasium with Father Mark Korbitz of the St. Matthews Anglican Church officiating. Reception will follow service in the Cafeteria.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Vernon’s name to the Kim EMS and Volunteer Fire Department or to the Colorado Shrines direct or though the funeral home.