Vernon Coe Rockey

Funeral service for Vernon Rockey will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Living Rock Church; with Pastor Mark Stevens officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to services at the church. Vernon Coe Rockey, born January 8, 1934, in Ewing, Nebraska to Ransom Guy Rockey and Leota Butler Rockey, passed away November 7, 2025 after a life rich in love, service and accomplishment.

A graduate of Ewing High School, Vernon attended Wesleyan University for a year before joining the United States Army. During his military service, he married Bernadine Caroline Sanders on November 18, 1954, beginning a partnership that would be blessed with a large and loving family.

After his military service, Vernon continued his studies in Alamosa, Colorado, and later attended the Los Angeles School of Optometry. With the support of community leaders in Crawford, Nebraska, he established an optometry practice in Crawford that would grow into a much larger practice, which included the Chadron, NE, Gordon, NE and Pine Ridge, SD Vision Centers. He worked tirelessly alongside tribal leaders to establish the Pine Ridge office, expanding his positive impact in the region. He also trained his son-in-law as an optician, and now there are four generations of opticians in the family.

Vernon, Bernadine and Merle Kilgore established the Fort Robinson Stagecoach Ride and Chuck Wagon Cookout, traditions in Ft. Robinson that have thrived for more than 50 years. In 1969, Vernon, affectionately known as "Doc Rockey," was honored as the World Champion Turkey Caller.

On May 30, 1994, Vernon married Marci Horrocks in Omaha, Nebraska, becoming a stepfather to four more children who embraced him as their own. Over the years, Vernon's role in their lives grew ever deeper, marked by mentorship and boundless love.

Vernon’s life was defined by his devotion to Jesus, a love for woodworking, gardening and unwavering support for "Go Big Red" Nebraska football. Mornings often found him reading the Bible, sipping coffee and feeding Tucker his morning treats. He was a beloved presence at church, known affectionately as the Social Butterfly, always volunteering during church workdays — even into his 90s. Vernon’s compassion reached far beyond his home: he traveled on nine mission trips to Nicaragua, bringing aid to remote villages and the gift of sight to many. He also regularly visited nursing homes to care for those unable to travel to his office.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Willis Rockey (Carol), and sisters, Mary-Marie Zimmerman (Gene) and Catherine Carlson (Buford); his first wife Bernadine, baby boy Rockey, grandson, Thaddeus Rockey, stepdaughter Sherri, step great-grandson Baby James Devin. He is survived by his loving wife Marci; his children: Vernon “Guy” Rockey (Cori), Colleen Brixius (Peter), Thoma Taylor, Charmaine Crabb (Tim), Shannon Kraus (Peter), and Artee McCaskill; grandchildren: Ryan Rockey (Brooke), Nicole Garcia (Nathan), Devon Rockey, Kyle Rockey, Casper Brixius (Allison), Sarah Taylor, Jesse Taylor, Geoffrey Crabb (Kelly), Ian Crabb, Eric Crabb, Lisel Kraus Wick (Tyler), Garrett Kraus, Austin McCaskill and Peyton McCaskill; great-grandchildren: Hayden and Tycho Rockey, Connor and Kaleb Garcia, Asher and Cecilia Brixius; Taylor Ortiz (Anabelle), Ethan Ortiz, Jennifer Evans, Luna Taylor, Henry, Hatcher and Harper Crabb; Maeve and Jameson Wick; great-great grandchildren: Lillia and step great-great grandchild Saija.

His stepchildren: Doug Horrocks (Sara), Danelle Horton and John Horrocks; Step grandchildren: Jeremy, Ben, Rachel, Stevin Horrocks(Alicea), Michael Kirbey, Jennifer Blonien (Zac), Jessica Johnston(Kyle), Matthew Hessler(Beth), Christopher Kelley (Kelsey), Barb and Tony Hessler, Nicholas and Jayden Bongiovanni, Justin, Laramie, Xaylie and Gus Horrocks; Carter, Charlie Roy and Frankie Kirbey, Cashden and Kazen Blonien, Kinsley Johnston, Braylee, Hunter and Seth Hessler, Savanna and Rory Kelley, Tristan Talkington, Joclyn and Braxton Bohnenkamp, and Hazel Handy.

Vernon’s greatest joy was his relationship with his Lord Jesus Christ, and his deepest desire was for all to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. While his passing is deeply felt by all who loved him, there is comfort in knowing that he is now rejoicing in his Savior’s love, free from pain and suffering. Vernon’s devotion to family and generosity, and his enduring impact on the communities he served will long be remembered. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.