Vernon Fogle, age 67, of Jordan passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at his home in Jordan.
Vernon Francis Fogle was born 5/11/48, the second of six children, to Vernon L. “Buzz” Fogle and Eileen E. Herald Fogle. As a child, he loved time spent with family, including his many family members in Garfield County as well as extended family in Chicago, Illinois. He attended grades 1 – 12 at Jordan Elementary and Garfield County High School, graduating as Salutatorian of his class in 1966. In his Salutatorian address, his concern for the world and the people throughout became apparent. This passion carried throughout his entire life, and he made no bones about it, sharing his concerns and ideas for solutions with anyone who would take the time to listen and even some who wouldn’t. Vernon joined the United States Army after high school graduation in 1966 for a two year enlistment, where he was a Military Policeman at Fort Ord in Monterey Bay, California. After his honorable discharge, his father passed away in 1971. Vernon was contacted to take his father’s place as Sheriff of Jordan. Vernon felt that he was not the right person for the job and humbly turned down the offer. During the years of 1968 – 1975, Vernon alternated his time between attending school at Montana State University in Bozeman and working on the oil rigs in Broadus, MT, Gillette, WY and various locations in North Dakota along with his Uncle Gale Fogle, several brothers and cousins.
Vernon completed his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business in 1976 and Master’s Degree in Applied Economics in 1979 from Montana State University Bozeman. He took great pride in his education and it fulfilled his thirst for learning, which was driven by his high IQ. He was a member of MENSA for most of his life. Vernon had a great impact on his young nieces and nephews who followed his quest for earning college degrees and committing to military service.
In the summer of 1979, Vernon and his cousin, Ernie Fogle, took the trip of a lifetime. They flew to Australia, rented a vehicle and traveled across nearly the entire continent and New Zealand. He had very fond memories of that trip and had an especially close relationship with Ernie for life.
During the years of 1980-1983, Vernon worked as a Farm Extension Specialist at Montana State University under Myles Watts, the Agriculture Department Head. It was during that time that he became great friends with Myles’ brother, Tim Watts. He subsequently went to work with Tim in a computer business in Miles City between the years of 1983-1985. They marketed some of the very first desktop computers sold to consumers. In 1985, Vernon accepted a position with the Tax Policy and Research Department of the Montana Department of Revenue as a tax policy analyst and economist. He spent the next 25 years working with the state in both the research and property assessment departments. He retired in January 2010 at the age of 62. Vernon gained a very tight-knit group of friends during his tenure in Helena. He met them weekly at their favorite brew pub and discussed world news and life philosophies. He cherished these friends immensely and spoke of them often with a twinkle in his eye. Vernon’s retirement plan was to sell his home in Helena and move back to Jordan to live a life of simplicity, which he did in early 2014 despite starting the process several years earlier, true to his “procrastinative” nature. Fortunately his neighbors in Helena were aware of his peculiarities and allowed him to continue squatting on their acquired property for a few years beyond the closing date of the sale.
Vernon was preceded in death by his father and mother, sisters April and Dawn, brother Mike, one niece, one nephew, one great niece, and two great nephews. He is survived by his brother Tim Fogle of Jordan, sister Therese (Sid) Bollinger of Angela, sister-in-law Charlene Fogle of Billings, four nieces, five nephews, seven great nieces, seven great nephews, one great-great nephew and one great-great niece.
Vernon will be missed very much by his family and friends. He was certainly a unique man with intense passion, high intelligence and the most incredible sense of humor and wit. It was an honor to know and love him. Family and friends were the most important thing in life to him. There was never a family event or emergency where he was not present, even when he often had to travel the farthest. Vernon was never into material things, but focused on nature and what he could do to help someone else. We are happy to know that all of Vernon’s suffering, both physical and mental, are now relieved. We will do our best to keep his memory and life lessons alive. We love you Vernon. Rest in peace.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Military graveside services will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
The family has requested that memorials be made to the Garfield County Fireworks Fund since he loved fireworks or to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday January 17, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, Montana 59337
Interment with Full Military Honors
Monday January 18, 2016
Pioneer Cemetery
Jordan, Montana 59337
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday January 17, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, Montana 59337
Interment with Full Military Honors
Monday January 18, 2016
Pioneer Cemetery
Jordan, Montana 59337
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Mary (Muff) Engdahl says
To all the Fogle family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time of sorrow. Vernon was a wonderful kind man. May your memories help heal your sorrows, keep them close in your hearts.
Muff and family
Bill and Rita FitzGerald says
All our thoughts are with you at this time. Time will never take away the wonderful memories!
Larry Barnes says
To all of Vernons Family I send out heartfelt sympathy and prayers. I always enjoyed conversations with Vernon, He had a certain wit and was a good man. R.I.P. old friend.
Teddy Robertson says
Tim and family,
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts
Todd Larson says
I always liked Vernon, he was a caring and gentle soul. He will be be missed by all and truly I believe that heaven receive a great man. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends for we have lost a great member of the human race and a great friend. May you rest in eternal bliss Vernon and hope to see you someday!
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers to all of Vernons family . He will be missed . Hang on to all of the fond memories you have and may you find comfort in Gods Love.
Lori and Jerry says
You are all in our thoughts and Prayers, so sorry for your loss.
Cindy Stanton says
My sincerest condolences for the loss of Vernon. What a great character! So many stories come to mind. He was such a good guy. I’m glad I got to visit with him last time I was there. And so glad I had the opportunity to know Vernon for many years. Heaven got a very entertaining angel.
Bob and Jane Engdahl says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Vernons families, he will be dearly missed by many.
Mike and Debbie Stocker says
To all Vernons family we are so sorry for your loss. Knowing what a fun, loving man Vernon was, he has left wonderful memories to help you through the hard times ahead. God Bless you all!
Connie & Jim Blonigen says
Our sincere condolences go out to all of Vernon’s family and many friends. May you find some measure of comfort in the many memories you have of him during this difficult time.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Tim, Therese, and Families,
Our deepest sympathy to each of you. I have very many fond memories of Vernon and his quick wit, he will be missed by many as he was a wonderful man.. Hugs and Prayers to you all
Mitzi beecher says
Thoughts and prayers to all
Mary Alice Murnion says
To all the Fogle Families,
You have my most heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Vernon. May God give you the strength you will need to go on with your lives.
Ed, Alroy, Tasha and Devin Solle says
Bollinger family, I am sorry for your loss. Wish I could give you all hugs. Prayers to you all.
Teresa, Mark and Cadance Hougardy says
Therese , Tim. I’m sorry for your loss of your brother. May you find comfort and peace that God is filling you with. Remember your good times with him and all your wonderful memories you made.
Steven Fogle says
During the early 1980s when Vernon was working and I was going to college at MSU we would sometimes commute between Bozeman and Jordan for the holidays. I remember one such trip when we were heading home for Thanksgiving and, of course, it was snowing. We got to the cut across between Roundup and Winnett and it was dark and snowing. There was several inches of fresh powder on the the road we couldn’t see anything except the snow and the fence posts far off to each size. He was driving and peering into the gloom and snow and said “I know there’s a corner coming up here soon” and he laughed that special little laugh of his.
Even under stress he still had a sense of humor.
I’ll never forget that laugh.
R.I.P. cousin.
Jim and Mardrie Baker says
Our sincere sympathy to you all.
Deb Currey Terrett says
Teresa, Tim and family…may you find comfort in your memories and may God Bless you with peace and comfort for your journey.
Pete Peterson says
To Family and Friends,
I am sorry that I could not make it to the service. I was there in spirit. Vern was a friend indeed and I will miss him. The years that I worked and played with Vern in Helena will live in my memory. He was a man of integrity, and he left the world a better place. Now Vern is Free.
Debi Rapstad says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, along with my love