Vernon J. Vanhook

Vernon Vanhook, 87, of Swink, passed away Jan. 9, 2014 at the Arkansas Valley regional Medical Center following surgery from a broken hip.


Vernon was born January 28, 1926 in Bentonville, Arkansas to Vernal and Ruby (Hawkins) Vanhook. Vernon and family moved to the Arkansas Valley when he was three years old. He attended Fairview and Swink schools where he excelled in all sports. Swink was where he met his future wife of 67 years, Lucille (Tarwater) Vanhook. They were married May 25, 1944 in Raton, NM. Vernon was soon drafted by the Army and served and fought on many of the Philippine Islands. When World War II ended they were training for an invasion of Japan.


On his return to the United States he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and the Purple Heart for wounds he received in the Philippines. Vernon and Lucille returned to the Arkansas Valley where Vernon hauled hay with a good friend Chester Bay. Vernon then started Vanhook Market and Nurseries in 1949, and operated them until 2005. Vernon loved farming and working in his green houses and nurseries. He also loved fishing, dog races, family gatherings, especially Christmas, and the Fourth of July. He loved good food and new pickups.


Vernon is survived by his daughter, Vici (Mike) Bauserman of Swink; his son, Steve (Kristi) Vanhook of La Junta; brother, Jack (Kim) Vanhook of Lamar; grandchildren, Jace (Amy) Bauserman of La Junta, Jennifer (Rob) Pannebaker of Tampa, FL, Tim Vanhook of La Junta, Ashley (Jack) Kearnan of Red Wood City, CA, and Jordan Vanhook of La Junta; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Abby and Brody Bauserman of La Junta. Also surviving are nephews, JJ (Melanie) Vanhook of Windsor, CO and Jeff (Laurie) Vanhook of Fort Collins, CO; and nieces, Corissa (Jacob) Cibulka of Pueblo and Katherine Vanhook of Colorado Springs.


He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Lucille who died in March of 2013.


He will be deeply missed by all.


Those wishing to do so may make a memorial donation to the Arkansas Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 408, La Junta, CO, 81050 direct or through the funeral home.


Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home and Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.



A graveside service will be Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery with Reverend Rodger Harris officiating.