Vernon Eugene Mann, 88, a Hot Springs, SD, resident, residing at South Dakota State Veterans Home, died Monday, July 4, 2011.

Vernon was born October 31, 1922, at Colome, SD, to Jesse and Olive Mann. He grew up on a ranch near Dog Ear Lake, a short distance from Winner, SD. He attended rural schools and High School at Winner, SD.

He served in the U. S. Navy from 1942 to 1945 as a Pharmacist's Mate 3rd Class and served overseas as a combat medic with the 1st Battalion, 11th Marine, 1st Marine Division.

On December 14, 1946, Vernon married his high school sweetheart, Betty "Bea" Pelkey at Valentine, NE. They lived on a ranch at Dog Ear Lake in the Winner area until 1957 when they moved to Hot Springs, SD, where he worked as Administrative Assistant in Domiciliary Operation for the Veterans Administration Center until he retired for medical reasons in 1981.

Vernon loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, and caring for his many beautiful roses.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Betty "Bea"; son, Terry, and wife, Anita; three grandsons and their wives; three great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; one step-grandson, his wife, and two children; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter; his parents, Jesse and Olive Mann; brother, Arlo; and three sisters, Athelda and Velma Campbell and Vivian Holechek.

At his request, cremation is planned with burial taking place at Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.