Vernon Marvin Taylor, age 83, of Miles City passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 of Covid at Holy Rosary Hospital.
Vern was born April 10, 1937 to Alvin Taylor and Amanda Krueger Taylor in Miles City, MT the youngest in a family of eight which ranched near Rock Springs, MT. He attended his first two grades at Garfield School, then a couple grades at the East U-All country school near Rock Springs and then back to Miles City and Lincoln School in the fifth grade. There he met Mary Lynn Zuelke, the first red head he had ever laid eyes on and they were friends throughout high school. Vern graduated from CCHS in 1956, received the Hume scholarship and went to MSC (MSU) in Bozeman where he received a BS in 1960 in Animal Industry. He then received another scholarship and went on to get a Masters of Science degree in 1962 in Animal Nutrition with emphasis in Range. Vern was hired with Bureau of Land Management in 1962 and moved back to Miles City. He was a Range Conservationist and later became a Supervisory Range Conservationist. Vern worked for BLM for 34 years retiring in 1996. He and Mary Lynn were married June 26, 1957 when he was a sophomore in college. They have three children Laurie (Will) Graves of Sheridan, WY, Becky (Gene) Bard of Big Horn, WY and Craig (Sherry) Taylor of Rock Springs, MT. They also have six grandchildren: Taylor Graves (Andrea), Caty Graves Clabaugh (Lamont), Brody Bard, Bailey Bard, McKenzie Taylor, Amber Taylor and one great granddaughter Cambree Clabaugh.
Vern served in the Army National Guard from 1962-1968 becoming a Staff Sergeant. He was a 4-H leader for five years, past member of Lions, American Society of Range Management, Montana Cattlemen’s Association and R-Calf. Vern was a member of the Range Riders Board of Directors for many years and served as president, he belonged to the Elks since 1960, a member of Alpha Zeta Honorary Society, MSU Alumni and a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, deacon and as chairman of Building & Grounds for many years as well as being a Sunday School teacher in the earlier years.
He always had a love of the family ranch and put in most weekends out there working with other family members while building up his part of the ranch which he continued to do after his retirement from BLM. Vern especially enjoyed horseback riding and training horses and spent many hours doing so, first working with brother Tex as a young boy and later taking a hackamore class at MSC training a 2 year old and winning 1st place with her in the Little International Livestock Show. His hobbies included leatherwork, making picture frames, playing bridge and other cards, gardening and helping out wherever he could. In his younger years, he did a lot of hunting both with a gun and also a bow and enjoyed reloading his own ammunition. Vern loved family get-togethers and enjoyed watching the grandkids in their various sporting events and other activities.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, his children and their families and one sister-in-law, Eunice Taylor, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin & Amanda Taylor, sisters Lil McFarland (Hugh), Pansy May (Bob), Ada McFarland (Clyde), and brothers Vic (Ardell), Bud (Shirley), Tex (Carol) and Jim.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 27, 2020 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Private Family services will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. A video of Vern’s funeral service will be available to view on the website Saturday evening.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Range Riders Museum or the First Presbyterian Church Building and Grounds committee/Radio Broadcast or to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 27, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Private Services
Saturday November 28, 2020
First Presbyterian Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 27, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Private Services
Saturday November 28, 2020
First Presbyterian Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Bob Hall says
As a classmate I’m sorry to hear this. My regards to Vern’s family!
Jessie Leidholt says
To all of Vern’s family, Jim and I am so sorry for your loss. A finer man you would never meet. He always made you feel better for meeting him.. Hugs to all of you.
Nick Clauson says
Mary Lou and all your family. Know that you will be in our prayers, Vern was such an unselfish person. Always cheerful I saw him. He will be missed by a lot of people, but by you his family more than anyone. Sincerely, Nick & Betty Clauson
Jerry and Rita says
Mary Lynn, and your family! I am truly so very sorry for your loss of Vern! May God comfort you thru your sorrow.
Hugs,
Jerry and Rita
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
My prayers for Vern’s family. Vern was known, liked and appreciated by many. His smile and greeting whenever we met is a favorite memory of mine. May your hearts be healed with your memories.
Maureen Larson says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all Vern’s family. I will always remember him as a kind, soft spoken gentleman that had a smile for everyone. I know he will be greatly missed and you will treasure your memories with such a fine man.
Carol Bean says
We are so sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with him at softball games. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Carol & JR Bean
Susan Sanderson says
Mary Lynn, Craig, Laurie, and Becky. I am so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man. It broke my heart to see that Vern has passed away. As you know, Vern was such a great man. So very kind. I will miss visiting with him and of course those sparkling eyes and smile. I treasure working with Mary Lynn at the fair, and of course Vern was right there beside you helping.
May you treasure your many memories and I hope they will bring you solace at this difficult time. My sincere
condolences for your loss.
Gayle Muggli says
Mary Lynn and family we are so sorry for loss.
Our prayers. May God keep you in his care. Gayle and Steve Muggli
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
I’m so very sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. He was such a kind and considerate man that touched many lives, wherever he went. My sincere sympathy to all the family, including nieces & nephews that were so very fond of him.
D'Ann Witcher says
Mary Lynn and family, our sincere condolences. for your loss. Vern will always be remembered by all who knew him as the sweetest , kindest man. May God comfort you at this time. D’Ann and Bruce.
Tom Zuelke says
Mary Lynn and kids, words can not express the amount of sympathy that I have for you all in the loss of Vern. Everything he did was for the love of his family. We have so many loving memories of him and I know those memories are going to help you thru this time of sorrow.
Bonnie Russiff Schott says
Mary Lynn and family – my sincerest sympathies – I am so sorry –
Reg and Kally says
Mary Lynn and family, so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you all, Reg, Kally and boys
Eugene Bankey says
Mary Lynn and family,. Our sincere condolences and prayers. Thank you for all you and Vern did for our community and smiling while you were doing it. Remembering the good times we had at the Elks and all you both did for the Miles City Elks. Thank you.
Gene and Connie
Pamela Rogge says
My prayers and condolences to Vern’s family. He was a kind gentleman who was very respected by many. I will always remember the “Hi Neighbor ” greeting as he and Mary Lynn walked by my house. Take comfort in special memories. God Bless!
LaVerne Hebner says
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Vern was a great guy and I knew him from about grade school. My mom and dad thought you were both such great neighbors and co-workers at church. May God comfort you with all your wonderful memories until you are together again.
Hugs,
LaVerne Jones Hebner
Jerry and Gayle Struck says
If you were lucky enough to have known Vern, you knew a true gentleman.
He was the real deal!
So very sorry.
Jerry and Gayle
Pam Larson says
Mary Lynn, Laurie, Becky and Craig,
Thoughts and prayers to you all. Ever since I was a young girl, I remember Vern being so kind and always having a smile on his face. It’s so hard to say goodbye to your husband and father. Love,
The Larson’s (Marie, Jana. Pam and Julianne)
Norm Willson says
I’ve known Vern and his family for a long time. He always had a smile on his face and spoke friendly. I sheared sheep with is bother Vic for years and at his family ranch and ran cattle for his nephew. He was always a good friend and great gentleman. Rest in Peace, you will be missed.
Shirley A Rolf says
Mary Lynn, Craig and families, so sorry for the loss of Vern. Enjoyed Vern thru the fair, he will be missed.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Taylor Family,
So sorry for the loss of Vern. What a true gentleman, who will be missed by many.
Thoughts and prayers to you all at this very difficult time.
Treasure your memories! God Bless you all.
Dennis and Chris says
We are so sorry for your loss. Vern was such a special man. Always had a smile and a kind word. He will be missed.
Bill and Sharon Oftedal says
All these posts sum Vern up beautifully. His family, his many friends, and our community have lost a highly valued citizen to this horrible virus. Our thoughts go out to all of you.
Larry and Judy Jens says
Mary Lynn, Larry and I are certainly saddened to read of Vern’s death. Vern was a true gentleman, and a “gentle man.” We so enjoyed getting together with you folks, along with Kutts, these last several years. Take comfort in the Lord and cherish your wonderful memories. Stay well.
Fred & Barb South says
A very sad day for us. Enjoyed knowing Vern so much and will miss him a great deal.
Denise Harvey says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with our community.
May God Bless you all with comfort.
Denise and Jay Harvey
Vickie L Gunderson says
Mary Lynn and all of Vern’s family, we were so shocked and saddened to hear about Vern’s passing. Vern was such a quiet, gentle man, and we know this will leave a huge hole in your hearts. You were both such good friends to my Mom and Dad, and such a comfort to us when we lost them. Dave and I send our prayers and hugs to you all..God Bless.
Vickie and Dave Gunderson
Scott Zuelke and family says
Mary Lynn and family… we were saddened to hear of Vern’s passing. May the peace that comes from the memories of love that all of you shared with him, comfort you in the days ahead.
It’s been too many years since we last saw all of you, but reading his life story above describes an incredible, charitable, loving man.
Much love to you and your family. God’s blessings to you all.
Dwayne & Karen Taylor says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. We have many fond memories of Vern, especially his picture in the cancer calendar. Priceless
Shannon Bryan Holmen says
We are so sad for you all. He was such a kind man. Here’s to great memories.
Shirley Lund says
Mary Lynn and family, my sincere sympathy. Prayers for comfort and peace as you share memories of a life well lived. Shirley Lund
Jenny Mathers Heuck says
After leaving Miles City in 1996 I was so delighted to see the Taylor family in church in Sheridan when Mary Lynn and Vern came to visit Laurie and Becky. What a wonderful surprise! Your frequent visits were always a treat, reminding me so much of growing up in Miles City with neighbors like the Taylors. Vern will be missed by all who knew him. His legacy will continue in all of you. Much love to all of you.
Margaret Mathers Novak says
I loved being in church with the Taylor family for so many years. I know to this day which pew was theirs. Vern was a steady presence in the lives of all of us. He was a blessing to those around him. I will miss knowing that he is in the world. My sympathy to all his loved ones.
Garrett Mostowski says
Vern was the kindest man I’ve ever known. He was so loving, optimistic, and patient. He will be missed.
Gerry and Paul Mottram says
Once again We say goodbye to a great friend of over 25 years. We are sorry for your loss God be with you.
Gerry and Paul
Jana Long says
My deepest condolences on Vern’s passing. Such a moving tribute to a much loved man. His legacy of kindness was certainly passed on to his son, Craig. May you find comfort surrounded by family, friends and happy memories.
David Smith says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Vern was such a good man.
I always enjoyed talking to him.
He will be missed by all.
Jim says
A life well-lived. Our sympathy to the family.
Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Diana Pluhar Ruis says
Dearest Mary Lynn and family,
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you in the passing of such a wonderful man. When I think of Vern, I remember his great smile and caring soul. He was such a dear friend to my parents, Art & Inez, and I remember many good times and community gatherings. Thank you for sharing his life story in such an touching tribute. I am praying you will be blessed with peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead.
God bless the Taylor family and their legacy to the Rock Springs and Angela community.
Bud and Sandy Flanigan Williams says
So sorry Mary Lynn and family!! Mom and dad both thought very highly of both you and Vern! Our sympathies. Bud and Sandy Williams
Les Graham says
one of the finest and nicest men I have ever known. vern will be missed. prayers are with Mary Lynn and family
Herm and Diane Venable says
I’ve known Vern for so many years clear back to when I was in grade school and will miss him greatly. He always had a ready smile. He was not puffed up with pride but was a humble man from the time I first met him. Very few men garner the respect that has been shown in these tributes . My sympathy to you Mary Lynn and to your family for your loss.
Kathy and Joe Baber says
Our condolences to the Taylor family. We remember Vern as a wonderful gentleman and friend.
IRENE /ROBERT GARRETT says
SO SORRY MARY LYNN AND ALL THE TAYLOR FAMILY OF VERNS PASSING . OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS SAD TIME . HE WAS A WONDER GENTLEMAN . WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM . BOBBY AND ME ENJOYED HIS VISITS AND LAUGHS WHEN WE DOWN IN MILESCITY. RIP VERN YOUR SUFFERING IS OVER. GOD BLESS ALL THE FAMILY.
BOB/IRENE GARRETT AND FAMILY .
CANADA.
Tom Maxwell says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Vern’s family. I worked with Vern in range at the BLM in Miles City. My wife Linda (Minkoff) moved to Lewistown with BLM. I thought the world of Vern.
Ed Payne says
Dear Taylor Family,
Our deepest sympathy in your loss of Vern. You look so much like your dad ,Craig, and have so many same characteristics as described in his tribute. He lived a wonderful life and will be missed by so many. Love and blessings to you all. Ed and Karen Payne
Jim & Ann Willson says
Mary Lynn and Family:
We send our deepest sympathy to all of you. Vern was one of the many neighbors while I was growing up in the Rock Springs area. He will always be remembered fondly.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Sandy & Bob Short says
What a shock to see Vern’s name in the obituaries. It is a great loss to you and a loss to all of his friends. He was a fine man.
Lillian Ostendorf says
A very fine person. Our sincere sympathy.
Tom and Lillian
Jim and Margaret Joyce says
We are so sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle man and so well thought of. Our condolences to you, Mary Lynn, Laurie, Becky and Craig.
Alvin Taylor says
Mary Lynn, Laurie, Becky and Craig.
My prayers go out to guys in these hard times.
I’ll always remember the fun I had at winter camp as a kid with you guys and uncle Vern. Between branding, dirt claud fights and fish fries. Thank you
Martha Bonine says
Mrs. Taylor, Laurie, Becky, Craig and family,
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to each of you. May the wonderful memories of your husband/dad ease the ache, in time. What a great gentleman, with a warm smile! God’s blessings!
Janet Huschka says
So sorry for your loss he was a great in just the short years that I knew him hugs and prayers for the family
Rick and Dee Abbott says
Mary Lynn and family: We are sad to learn of Vern’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Danielle and Steve Ray, Steven Ray, Anthony Ray and Matthew Ray says
We are so sorry to hear of Vern’s passing and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this most difficult time. What an incredible legacy he has left with his children, grandchildren and their beautiful families and all the lives he touched during his life.
Ellie Nicholson says
Marry Lynn, I just heard of your loss, I am so sorry, I remember you both from Church
I will keep you and your family in my prayers
Ellie
Lloyd & Betty Carroll says
Mary Lynn & Family , We always enjoyed a visit when we would happen to see you folks; Vern was so well thought of & did such an outstanding job during his career. We feel fortunate to have known him. He will certainly be missed. We send our heartfelt sympathy to you.
Greg Ugrin says
To the Family of Vern Taylor,
So sad to hear of Vern’s passing. Growing up withCraig as a class and teammate always meant Mr. Taylor would be close by and always supporting our activities. I always remember his kindness towards everyone and stories he would share, and ask how each of us was doing. Again, sorry for your loss and God bless.
Greg Ugrin
Boise, ID
Mary Bloom says
So sorry for your loss. Vern was one of the nicest people at BLM. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
George & Dulce María Gray says
Dear Taylor Family, We are saddened for your great loss. I am so sorry to hear this news. Vern was kind and gentle with a ready smile and a friendly greeting for all. He will be missed dearly. Our sincere condolences, George & Dulce María