Vernon Harold Coe

Vernon Harold Coe, age 89, of Sturgis, SD passed away Saturday February 14, 2026, at his residence. He was born May 17, 1936, in Hettinger, ND, son of the late Harold Coe and Myrtle Culver.

Vernon attended grade school in Harding County, riding horseback to school from 4th through 8th grade. He attended one year of high school in Belle Fourche, SD. Thereafter, finishing his education in Brookings, SD at SD State School of Agriculture in 1954. Vernon's hobbies included breaking and selling horses as well as saddle bronc and barebacking riding at local rodeos.

After graduation Vernon joined the Army. Upon completion of military service, he returned to South Dakota. In 1960 Vernon and Janet Witcher were married in Belle Fourche, SD. He and Janet went on to have three children, Jody Pekas of Rapid City, Kim (Patti) Coe of Vale, and Ken (Melissa) Coe of Georgia. Vernon and Janet later divorced.

Vernon enjoyed a life of ranching in various locations near Bison, SD and later near Sturgis. In addition, he began truck driving in 1977 until retiring in 2009 at his residence in Sturgis, SD.

Vernon is survived by his three children, Jody Pekas of Rapid City, SD, Kim (Patti) Coe of Vale, SD, and Ken (Melissa) Coe of Newnan, GA, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents Harold Coe and Myrtle Culver, two sisters Jean Kopren (Merle), Loretta Gosselin (Charles), one grandchild (Trent Coe), Raymond Brunson and two great-grandchildren (Robert and Ella Brunson), nephew (Kevin Gosselin), son-in-law (Doug Pekas), Byron Crown as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

Services to be held Friday, February 20, 12:00 noon at Kinkade's Funeral home. Burial at Black Hills National Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Vets Club in Sturgis.