DODGE CITY – Vernon Ray Bearce, 85 died Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Presbyterian Manor of the Plains, Dodge City.

He was born on December 29, 1937 at Syracuse, Kansas the son of William Oran and Elizabeth June (Cott) Bearce. He worked as a farmer/rancher most of his life and received several awards for Soil Conservation practices. He was a member of St. Cornelius' Episcopal Church, Dodge City, was a board member of the Soil Conservation and Hospital, both in Johnson, Kansas, served as Secretary, Lay Reader and Deacon at St. John's Episcopal Church, Ulysses, Kansas. Vernon was also a member of FMHA, Syracuse, MENSA (High IQ Society), and organized a Southwest Kansas Sky Diving Team. He loved challenges too, especially brain games, playing Bridge, skydiving, riding Harley's and Indians and no weed survived within miles of his pocketknife. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.

On March 9, 1960 at Manter, Kansas he married Loretta Creamer. She survives.

Survivors also include: 3 daughters, T. Paige Bearce – Beery and husband Brian, Oakland, California, Angie Bearce – Blair, Lawrence, Kansas, and Becki Andrews and fiancé Bill Burch, Belpre, Kansas; a brother, Linnie Bearce and wife Donna, Shreveport, Louisiana; 5 grandchildren, Chandra Cralle husband Chris, Chelsea Pipkin husband Sheldon, Hunter and Bailee Blair, and Max Bearce; and 5 great grandchildren, Draven, Brodie, Amaya, Brexley, and Bronx Pipkin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Chris Bearce, infant sister, Lela Faye, sister, Fern Noble, and brother, Dean Bearce.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 1:00 pm at St. Cornelius' Episcopal Church, Dodge City with Fr. John Seatvet officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the start of service at the church. Cremation will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Manor of the Plains, Hospice of the Prairie or St. Cornelius' Episcopal Church all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N.14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.