Verner "Vern" Lee Story

Verner Lee Story

April 13, 1928 – July 8, 2021

Verner (Vern) Lee Story, son of Verner Earl and Minnie Martha Story, was born and raised in Brighton, CO. Some of Vern’s fondest memories were of growing up in Brighton. Vern dropped out of Brighton High to join the Navy at the conclusion of World War II, earning not only his high school equivalency but the Victory Medal for serving on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. When Vern left the Navy, he went to Colorado State College of Education (now University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley, CO. While attending Colorado State, Vern was on the football team and the award-winning gymnastics team where he made lifelong friends.

It was during his time at Greeley that Vern then met the love of his life – Betty Williams, of Walsenburg, CO. In 1952, Vern and Betty married and moved to Stockton, CA to become teachers and start a family. Vern is survived by and the proud father of sons William and Joseph Story, daughter-in-law Marilynn Story, and grandchildren Kyle and Regina Story. His family and friends will miss him greatly.

Vern was honored to be a lifelong educator, working also as a vice principal and principal for nearly 30 years; and he greatly enjoyed being a lifelong learner, frequently found with a book in hand and sharing facts from history. When Vern and Betty retired to Cuchara, CO, Vern spent time volunteering as a Huerfano County GED teacher, at the Fort Francisco Museum and other southern Colorado non-profits. In retirement, his main passion was creating art – painting and bronze sculpting. Vern also had a fine appreciation for music, often visiting jazz festivals and becoming such a skilled whistler that the birds and critters knew him as a dear friend.

A celebration of life for both Vern and Betty Story is scheduled for August 28, 2021 in Cuchara, CO. Please contact the family at vandbstory@gmail.com for more details.