Vernon Edward Shoup Jr., of Rifle, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2003, at his home. He was 75.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at First Christian Church of Rifle. Rev. Dene Johnson will officiate. Visiting hours are 1-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at Rifle Funeral Home. Burial will be at Rosehill Cemetery in Rifle.

He was born on June 1, 1928, in Palisade to Vernon and Signa Ida (Snipes) Shoup.

He married Carmen Simms on Jan. 18, 1947, in Denver.

Mr. Shoup was a car salesman, and belonged to the Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge and Masons, and First Christian Church of Rifle. He loved golf and fishing, and most of all loved to play cards (mostly cribbage). He enjoyed beating all his nurses at cribbage, but was mostly a people person. He loved people and doing for others. He was a simple, Godly man.

Pallbearers are David Schmittel, Kristian Schmittel, Bill Treadway, Butch Shoup, Ryan Shoup, John Shoup, Richard Shoup and Jason Shoup. Honorary pallbearers are John Van Teylingen, Barry Shideler, Jim Kiggins, Dean Hubbell, John Cozza and Dave Simmons.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Shoup; by a nephew, Joe Shoup; and by a sister-in-law, Lois Allen.

Mr. Shoup is survived by his parents, Vernon and Signa Shoup; by his wife, Carmen Shoup of Rifle; by sons and daughters-in-law Richard James and Linda Shoup of Rifle, Vernon Edward “Butch” Shoup III and wife Margaret Shoup of Centennial; by a daughter and son-in-law Verna Lee and David Schmittel of Saguache; and by seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Rifle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of choice.