Vern Mowry

Vern Ray Mowry passed away October 6, 2015 at the Sheridan County Health Complex Long Term Care Unit in Hoxie, Kansas after several months of illness. He was 59 years old. Born April 3, 1956 in Sheridan County, Kansas he grew up the only son of Verl and Elsie Mowry. He graduated from Hoxie High School with the Class of 1974. After graduation Vern continued to work on the family farm alongside his father and uncles. When his father Verl unexpectedly passed away in 1977, Vern was left to oversee the farm and ranch operation at twenty-one years of age. He enjoyed roping and riding from a young age, which eventually led him to the rodeo circuit where he competed in Bareback Bronc Riding, Team Roping, and Bull Riding. Along the way, Vern met Cynthia Gaye Kimball from Guymon, Oklahoma. They were united in marriage on December 2, 1978 and settled on the farm in Hoxie. Together, they raised two sons, Vince Robert and Vess Ryan. Vern taught the boys how to ride early on and enjoyed watching Vince rope in Little Britches, Kansas High School Rodeo, and at the college level. Vess shared his father’s love of tinkering with engines and motorcycles. Being a long time member of the Hoxie community, Vern had countless friends, neighbors, and relatives. He was active on the Fair Board and helped organize and work the Sheridan County Rodeo for many years. Vern helped many young people learn how to ride and care for horses. He also enjoyed assisting the local veterinarians with cattle work. Vern is survived by his son, Vince Mowry and wife Tara, three grandsons, Cooper, Jacob, Rylan, all of Saint George, Kansas, and his mother, Elsie Mowry of Hoxie, Kansas, as well as a host of cousins, relatives and friends. Vern was preceded in death by his father, Verl Mowry, wife, Cindy Mowry, and son, Vess Mowry, as well as both sets of grandparents, aunts, and uncles he held dear. A graveside memorial Cowboy Tribute Service will be held November 21, 2015, at High Noon, at the Hoxie City Cemetery. It has been said, “There is nothing so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse.” Indeed where there were horses, you would find Vern. He lived and loved the cowboy way of life; working the land, tending the livestock, and carrying on the legacy.