RAPID CITY--Vern E. Pope, Sr., 80, died at Rapid City Regional Hospital on Thursday, June 25, 2009.

He was born December 2, 1928 to Everett and Ethel (Carpenter) Pope in Delmont, SD. Vern served in the U. States Army during the Korean Conflict earning the Bronze Service Star. He continued his patriotism by raising and lowering the American flag in his front yard everyday, including his last day on earth. Vern married Josephine Bartunek in Wagner on February 10, 1955. He retired from Montana Dakota Utilities. Vern loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren immensely, giving of himself in all ways. He loved animals, which came in handy as a MDU Meter Reader. Vern stayed busy with many activities including camping, motorcycling, hunting, toy tractor collecting, playing cards and dancing. He belonged to the Gold Wing Association, Rushmore FVFW Post 1273 and the Moose Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Josephine, 3 sons, Verne E. Pope, Jr. and his wife, Cindy Ehly, David Pope and his friend, Cheryl Rega and Larry Pope and his wife, Laurie, a daughter, Betty Kobes and her friend James Plate; 2 sisters, Helen Crisman and June Sorenson, all of Rapid City; a brother, Dale Pope, Cleveland, OH; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 until 4 p.m. on Sunday at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 29, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Doug Diehl officiating.

Private inurnment services will be held at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the South Dakota National Guard.

A memorial has been established to the Black Hills Humane Society.