Vernon E. Van Epps

Vernon Van Epps was born to Frank and Tina (Lattimore) Van Epps on February 24, 1939 in Winner, SD. He grew up with older brother, Eugene and younger sisters, Madalyn and Sharon in Todd County, SD. Frank passed away when Vernon was a sophomore in high school. At that point the family moved to Winner, SD where he completed high school.

As a very young boy he worked on the Ray Carr ranch in Todd County helping Ray check pastures and care for cattle along with his father Frank. When the family moved to Winner he began working for the Key Sinclair station. This is where he learned he didn't like gumbo when he was cleaning it out of tires to be changed.

Vernon was able to get back to ranch life working for Bill Chauncey, Jr. near Carter, SD. In this role he was training horses, roping and taking care of livestock. It was also here he met his future bride, Jean Chauncey.

In 1966, the Van Epps moved to Nebraska and he began working as a ranch manager for Lloyd Blomstrom near Springview, NE. They later purchased this ranch from the heirs. They began building their own operation which consisted of Quarter and Appaloosa horses and a quality herd of Black Gngus cattle.

Hard work and long days still left room for helping youth and giving back. They had been horse project leaders of a 4-H club in SD and quickly found opportunity to continue in NE. He also saw a need for good horses for kids to ride and gathered a few good mares and purchased the first of many stallions.

Vernon was a gifted horse trainer and had the opportunity to train many rope horses both for himself and others. During the 70's through the 90's he was successful showing Appaloosa horses all over SD, NE and KS as well as world shows in OK and TX where he always placed among the top competitors and where he was respected for his integrity among his peers. The last World Show he attended was in 1992 where he roped in the Will Rodgers Coliseum in Ft. Worth, TX.

Although they had no biological children of their own, both he and Jean invested in the lives of young people to help them to become better people as well as better horsemen. This was their way of honoring God through serving. Their Christian testimony was never hidden and their practice arena was a gathering place for not only horsemanship, but also teaching life skills. These times often continued in fellowship with a meal at the kitchen table and discussions of life choices.

When Vernon was raising horses, many were sold to kids for far less than market prices. If a young person didn't have a good rope, there was always a box of new ones to choose from at no cost.

After two major back surgeries, Vernie was unable to care for horses properly. He transitioned from riding horses to helping with cattle from the seat of his Can-Am, usually with a good dog by his side.

Some of the highlights of the past year were visits from many of the special people he had invested in as they realized he was getting older and maybe better get back to the ranch for one last visit. Those who couldn't stop by would call, and he enjoyed every one of them.

His last day on earth, Vernie called Pastor Tim at 8:15 a.m. and told him he wasn't doing good and was ready to trade his old body for a new one. God called him home just past midnight of that day. “His greatest joy would be to see you in Heaven one day!”

Vernon was survived by his wife, Jean of Springview; brother, Eugene (Gaye) Van Epps of Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Sharon (Robert) Ring of Norris, SD; sister-in-law, Ruth Farnsworth and brother-in-law, Jerry (Barb) Chauncey all of Carter, SD; along with nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 in the New Hope Community Church with Pastor Tim Wyrick officiating at the event. Music was provided by Kayla Schrantz and Pastor Sam and Mary Courts with the congregation singing, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “In The Garden” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” A Eulogy was given by Nikki Welch.  Casketbearers were: Corey Nilson, Carl Nilson, Ryan Snyder, Kris Schenefeld, Brett Heath and Justin Heath. The Register Book Atteendant was Kylee Nilson. Memorials were suggested to the New Beginnings Crisis Pregnancy Resource Center in O’Neill, the Internal Design in Springview or to Camp Witness near Long Pine in Vernon’s name. Burial was in the West Enterprise Cemetery under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.