He was born June 2, 1923 in Cooper township near Stafford to John and Grace I. (Jones) Stude. He married Else H. R. Brunner on May 18, 1947 in Dodge City. She preceded him in death.

In early May 1929, the John Stude family moved to a farm southwest of Copeland. Vernon graduated from Copeland High School.

In WWII, Vernon Stude served in the Army, 101st. Airborne Div., in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in England, Holland, France, Belgium, and Austria. He served in the Battle of the Bulge, in Belgium, Dec. 1944. In Nov. 1945, Vernon was sent to the 508th Airborne Div., Paratroopers, in Frankfort, Germany and served in General Eisenhower's Honor Guard. In May of 1945 he served in Austria.

He was a horse lover and an accomplished horseman. He loved growing beautiful roses in his garden.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Grace I. Stude; his wife, Else Stude; daughter Monika Witcher; brother Lawrence Stude; and brother, Frank Stude.

(courtesy of Ruth I. Stude)

Grave marker for Vernon R. Stude in Section 50 Site 257 of the Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver (Denver county), Colorado.

Vernon enlisted in the Army at Fort Leavenworth, KS on 5 February 1944  little more is known of his service record until he was transferred to the 508th PIR where on 3 June 1946 he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal.