H. Kingsley Obituary

March 13, 1944 - April 11, 2023

H. Vernon "Vern" Kingsley, age 79, passed away in his home on April 11, 2023. He was born on March 13, 1944 to Harold Raymond Kingsley and Elberta Helen Kingsley in Pagosa Springs, Co. He was a resident of Cortez, Co for 47 years and spent his winters in Yuma, Arizona for the past 12 years with his wife. He graduated from Bayfield High School in 1963. He went to become a barber and cut hair at a barber shop in Alamosa, Colorado.

After a while, he became a State Trooper with the Colorado State Patrol and then on to a dispatcher for the State. He retired after 27 years of service. For a short time, he was also an interim judge with the municipal courts in Mancos, Dolores, and Cortez.

Vern was always good for cracking jokes and playing tricks on any victim he would choose. He loved his life and anyone who chose to be a part of it. He was a devoted American and flew his flags proudly. In his younger days, he was always up to go hunting or fishing anything to be out in the great outdoors. As he got older, he loved spending time and making memories with his family, kids, grandkids, and good friends.

He is survived by Linda L. Kingsley, his wife of 47 years, his sidekick Danica, a brother Wayne (Barbara) Kingsley, his children Bobbie Patterson, John Kingsley, Kimberly Essary, Carol (Alan) Colvin, and Shanna Martinez, 13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and many other family members. He is preceded in death by both parents Harold and Helen Kingsley.

Please join us in celebrating his life on Saturday May 6, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Ertel Funeral Home, 42 North Market Street, Cortez, Co 81321. Then following the celebration there will be a reception at the Lewis Community Center, 21203 Road S, Cortez, Co 81321 for a potluck and fellowship.

Memorial donations can be made to the "Vern Kingsley Memorial" fund at Vectra Bank, 350 W Montezuma Ave, Cortez, Co 81321.