Vernon Hennesay
courtesy photo
Vernon Hennesay
BILLINGS — Vernon E. Hennesay, while encircled with loved ones, rode into heaven on horseback. He passed away in Billings on April 21, 2017.
Vern was born June 7, 1927, in Gouldbusk, Texas, to Joe H. Hennesay and Rhoda F. Wood. He was the youngest of 13 in a family of farm laborers in Texas and California. In 1945, upon graduation from high school, Vern enlisted in the Navy. World War II ended as he completed boot camp. Vernon attended Humbolt State College earning his degree in Wildlife Management. He began his career with the National Park Service in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park as a maintenance worker. While working in Sequoia as a backcountry ranger, he met and married Doreen Kranzer, his lifelong soul mate of 63 years.
He advanced his career in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado National Monument, Oregon Caves National Monument, Homestead National Monument, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, and eventually became Assistant Superintendent in Yellowstone National Park where he served for 10 years. While in Yellowstone, he was instrumental in establishing Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site along with Big Hole National Battlefield. Vern retired as Superintendent from Fort Laramie National Historic Site.
After retiring from the Park Service he and Doreen moved to the Mission Mountains in Ronan where they built a log home and lived for the next 30 years. Moving closer to family brought them to Billings.
Vern’s father, mother and 11 siblings precede him in death.
Vern’s wife, Doreen Hennesay; sister, Earlean Pellow; son, Gene Hennesay (Maggie); two daughters, Lanaia Holmes (Tom) and Kara McDonald (Rob); five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, survive him.
Vern Hennesay was a simple man, yet not simple minded. A gentle, patient man of God who offered a kind hand to anyone in need.
Vern’s wishes were to not have a service until he was once again united with his beloved wife, Doreen. The family will have a small family memorial in the summer. Please send memorials to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 110 Sixth Ave. E, Polson, MT, 59860, to the Vern Hennesay memorial fund. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting: www.smithfuneralchapels. com.
