Vernon Harold Evenson

Vernon Harold Evenson

Born in Rapid City, South Dakota on September 4, 1945.

Died unexpectedly at home, December 3, 2025.

Beloved husband of Raymona Evenson; brother of Dennis; father of Christopher, Kent, and Bradley; father-in-law of Sarah; grandfather of Isabella and Abigail. Good friend to many, especially his best friend Don Kimminau. He is preceded in death by both his mother and father, Verda Irene & Warner Merton Evenson; his Best Man Gary Mares; close friends Butch Vigil, Virgil McCune, Marty Pearlman, and Don Snider.

Vernon moved from South Dakota to Denver when he was two years old with his parents and older brother.

Vernon met his wife Raymona in West High School in Denver where they had started dating during Senior Year. He was so proud of being a West Cowboy that he had his class ring on him permanently, until the day he died, along with his wedding band. He was the only male to major in Home Economics in High School, a fact which contributed to his expert green chili, enchiladas, and soup making, among other dishes.

Vernon enlisted into the U.S. Navy in 1964, served as a Petty Officer 2nd Class (E-5) as a Storekeeper (Supplies and Inventory) on the USS Simon Lake, a Polaris ballistic missile submarine tender, stationed out of Holy Loch, Scotland. Vernon was an original member of the USS Simon Lake when it was commissioned in 1964. Vernon was patriotic, as he had volunteered for duty in Vietnam while stationed in Scotland. He did not get the orders in time before his discharge, a fact that made his entire family grateful, especially when looking at the sacrifices other Vietnam Veterans have made.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1967, Vernon and Raymona were married that same year and enjoyed 58 wonderful years together. Their oldest son, Christopher was born in 1970, their middle son, Kent in 1973, and their youngest son Brad in 1981.

Vernon became a Letter Carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in 1968 and continued to carry the mail and neither snow nor rain nor sleet nor hail nor heat nor gloom of night kept Vernon from completing his duties. He loved working for the Post Office, in fact so much that he became greatly involved in the Postal Union, which he joined in 1970. One of his proudest accomplishments was his participation in the strike of 1970. He was in a tenuous position during that strike, as he was the sole provider of his wife and infant son Chris and he had a mortgage to pay, but he would not cross the picket line. This strike was technically illegal and the strikers were all subject to firing for participating; luckily, the government was unable to find enough temporary letter carriers to take such a drastic action. The contract that arose as a result of the strike gave everyone, even workers who did not strike, a better living wage. He served in numerous positions for Branch 47 throughout the years including President, Vice President, and Financial Secretary. His pal Greg West described Vern as "the glue which held the union together." Some of the most fun Vern had during his post office career was attending State and National conventions. Vern retired in 2003, after 35 years with USPS; at the time he left he had the second most seniority in the city and his route included the Denver City and County Building.

Chris brought Sarah into the family in 2009, she fit right in, and in 2010 Vernon's first grandchild, Bella, was born, followed by Abby in 2012.

He was thankful that his brother Dennis, a long time New York City resident, moved back to Colorado. Vern was able to get to know Dennis better after being separated for so long. Dennis saw a new side to his brother when Vern was delighted over his first newborn granddaughter. Vern adored Bella and Abby, and one of his favorite things was making cinnamon rolls with them, along with pancakes and waffles.

Vern loved his family and was a wonderful provider. He took great care of his wife after her two accidents and took over many household chores. Vern valued all of his son's talents: Chris and his military and police service, Kent and his intricate artistry, both in pencil and stone, and Brad and his broad knowledge and professional decorum. His sons all inherited Vern's staunch work ethic. He loved his daughter-in-law and adored his granddaughters. He will be immensely missed, but he will live on in the memories of all his family and friends forever.

His Celebration of Life is on January 9, 2026 at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, located at 3101 South Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, Colorado at 11:00 am. Reception to follow at 12:30 pm at the venue. There will be a military service at Fort Logan National Cemetery, located at 4400 West Kenyon Avenue, Denver, Colorado at 2:30 pm, where Vernon's remains will be laid to rest.