Vernon E. Copenhaver

Funeral services for Vernon Edward Copenhaver, age 89, of Hinsdale, Montana who died on February 4, 2025, at Valley View Nursing Home with his son, Russell at his bedside, will be held tentatively late Spring 2025 with graveside services at Hillview Cemetery, Hinsdale, Montana. A memorial has been established to the Hinsdale Fire Department.

Vernon was born August 28, 1935 at the Hinsdale Hospital, known in the community as the McElvain Home and now Grace Baptist Church. He was born to Edward and Hazel Carter Copenhaver. Vernon received his early education at Vandalia Grade School, graduating from Hinsdale High School in 1953. Vernon was the last surviving male of the Class of 1953. Vernon was especially proud that he and his basketball teammates were the first team from Hinsdale to participate in the State Basketball Tournament in 1953, coached by his Uncle Ernie Copenhaver. Vernon attended Western Montana College playing football and basketball before going to Spokane briefly for Barber School before deciding to come home to be a farmer/rancher. He married Beverly Rusher on February 6, 1955 at the Methodist Church in Glasgow. They made their home in Hinsdale. They were married for 67 years before her passing in 2022.

Vernon worked several jobs during the early years of his marriage. He worked at Markle’s, Lucien Reynolds, the Hinsdale School as a bus driver and custodian before purchasing the family ranch next to his parents’ farm.

Vernon sprayed weeds for Valley County and thought this would be a good opportunity for his granddaughter, Marissa, to make some money for college; Vernon continued working in this position for 15 more years. He trained several Valley County High School students during this time including his grandson, Scott. Vernon also worked as a part-time jailer for Valley County. He loved cooking and baking for the inmates where he would make homemade bread and cinnamon rolls. The inmates were always happy when he worked saying that they knew if Vernon was working they would get real mashed potatoes and gravy.

Vernon raised his sons on pistol and trapshooting thus traveling with his family all over Montana and North Dakota. In the 1980’s and 1990’s Vernon and Beverly held several pistol shoots for Law Enforcement officers and civilians. Many traveled long distances to come to this event as he was known to put on a great pistol shoot and they were all fed well with a huge smorgasbord feast made by Beverly. There has been some talk that they were not sure if they came because of the fun shoot/competition or they came to eat Bev’s food.

Vernon was also a gunsmith and many people brought their guns to Vernon to be worked on. Vernon would drop whatever he was doing to help any youth shooter sight in their guns. Vernon also reloaded bullets for friends and Law Enforcement agencies. He was well known in several states and Canada for the quality of his ammunition.

Vernon was a member of the Hinsdale Methodist Church, Hinsdale Fire Department, Valley Electric Board as well as a member of the Hinsdale Masonic Kyle Lodge #96, joining in 1959 and served as Worshipful Master. He was a 65 year Mason at the time of his death.

Beverly and Vernon loved to dance and visit friends. They played cards with longtime pals, Lloyd and Evelyn Jones. Vernon and Beverly loved watching their sons play sports and would travel to basketball games through blizzards and extreme cold weather. They would also follow their grandchildren in wrestling and swim team.

Vernon was a rancher at heart and loved his livestock, especially his horses. Jim Tollefson spent a few summers living out at the farm/ranch as a hired man, and Nancy Mogan Bowman babysat the kids and ran the household while Bev and Vernon were working. For many years the family would trail their herd of cows north of Hinsdale close to the Canadian border to their summer pasture. This trek would take 2-3 days, and sleeping outside at night under the stars has left many great memories to all who made this trip with the family.

Survivors include: Rodney Copenhaver (Becky) of Belgrade, MT, Russell Copenhaver (Teddi) of Hinsdale/Glasgow, MT. Grandchildren: ScottCopenhaver and family (Williston, ND), Marissa Frye and family (Ekalaka, MT), Kerri Sheehan and family (Chicago, IL), Melissa Copenhaver and family (Chicago, IL), and Michael Copenhaver and family (Billings, MT). He is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren with one on the way, and sisters-in-law, LaFon Copenhaver, Kittle Lou Rusher, Mary Ann Ellsworth, Pauline Jasper and Helen Grant, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, his “Bride” Beverly, sister Wilma McElvain and brother Gary Copenhaver (LaFon).

Condolences may be left on line for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.