Vernon Doyel Hope

Vernon Doyel Hope, 83, of Hereford, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Graveside services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 7, 2025 at West Park Cemetery in Hereford with Monte Smith officiating. Vernon was born on January 21, 1942 in Valliant, Oklahoma to Luther and Lillie Mae Hope. He joined the United States Army in June of 1960 and was honorably discharged in June of 1963. He married the love of his life, Linda Gay Lamb, on December 8, 1964, and they were married for 25 years before she preceded him in death in 1989. Vernon started his law enforcement career in Quanah, Texas in 1968 and moved to Hereford in 1972 where he continued in law enforcement for another 18 years before retiring. He then taught Law Enforcement classes at Hereford High School and worked for a short time at Carl McCaslin Lumber Company. In 1995 Vernon left law enforcement and moved to Lubbock where he was district manager for Rapid Oil Company. He enjoyed that time, especially when his son, Steven, joined the team and they were able to work together every day. In 2020, Vernon retired at last and returned to Hereford. He was often seen volunteering at Hereford Senior Citizens where he received the New Volunteer Award. Vernon never let his disabilities hinder him from helping others when he could. True to his generous and giving spirit, one year he had Santa push him around Walmart so he could hand out gift cards to those he thought might need a little extra help. He was a proud member of the Grumpy Old Men's Coffee Club. He loved fishing and helping others, but his greatest love was time spent with his family. For them, this is not 'Goodbye,' but rather 'See ya later!'. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and six sisters. Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Sandy Shelton and husband, Terry; his son, Steven Hope and wife, Shea; grandchildren, Jessica and Nathan Huseman, Tanner and Whitney Shelton, Amber and Steve Komorian, Teagan and Sydney Shelton, and Taylor Hope; five great grandchildren, Sonen, Wesley, Cora, Clark and Trew; along with several nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to Hereford Senior Citizens Association, 426 Ranger St., Hereford, TX 79045.