EDWARD LEON VERMILLION

Edward Leon Vermillion passed from this life on June 6, 2023 at his home in Canon City, Colo., following an extended illness.

Ed was born the second child of four children August 27, 1950, to James and Mary Vermillion in Simla, Colo. His childhood was filled with farming and ranching beside his brother and sisters in the Kutch area, south of Matheson. His schooling began at Central School where he was taught by his grandmother, Mae Vermillion from grades one through five. That building later became Central Bible Church. Ed then finished school in Simla, Colo. graduating in 1968.

He developed a love of music from his parents, learning to play the guitar from his dad. Many weekends were spent with family around the piano, singing and playing. In high school, Ed played in a band called “The Nicotines,” playing local dances in the area. His favorite music was folk music, particularly Peter, Paul, and Mary.

After school, Ed entered and graduated from WYOTECH in Laramie, Wyo. where he studied auto mechanics . He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy during January 1970, becoming a Seabee in MCB Battalion, where he worked on construction equipment. His tour led him from California, overseas to Okinawa, Spain and Greece. He reported that he especially loved Greece.

After proudly serving his country, Ed returned to Colorado Springs, Colo., where he worked for John Deere, servicing diesel equipment. While working there, Ed raced a John Deere yellow stock car, #644, named after the biggest front-end loader John Deere had at that time. He raced at Colorado and Pueblo raceways for four years. He only won one race but was a fierce competitor. After seven years at John Deere, he returned to the family farm where he helped his parents raise pigs, learning what hard work really was, in his words.

Dowell Oil Company then employed Ed, where he met a life-long friend, Tim White. Getting laid off after three years, both men applied to the State of Colorado and were hired to work at the Limon Port of Entry. Ed served the state for 28 years, retiring in 2014.

Although Ed never married, he and his partner of 12 years, Gigi Givan, moved to Canon City, Colo. in 2014. The two enjoyed gambling at Blackhawk and traveling. Their tour of Italy was a special trip for both. The couple joined St. Michael’s Parish in Canon City, where Ed continued to serve God. The parish was attentive to Ed’s needs, bringing him fellowship and communion to his home every Sunday, which he deeply appreciated. In his last few years, Ed was able to stay at home due to the special care he received from his caretaker, Deb Dewey.

Ed enjoyed many hobbies. He loved fishing for salmon at Eleven Mile Reservoir, panning for gold, and playing cards and games with family. He had a deep passion for oil painting, taught to him by his grandmother, leaving a legacy of memories for his family.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Vermillion, siblings Brenda (Vermillion) Gariner, and Craig Vermillion, and nephew Brian Hawthorne. Ed is survived by sister, Gloria (Vermillion) Newcomb (Marty), of Limon, Colo.; a cousin, Ginger (Vermillion) Goessling (Chip), of Angel Fire, N.M.; nephews Jeremy Newcomb, Keith Newcomb, Matthew Emmerling, and Jason Vermillion; nieces Amanda (Newcomb) Sandoval (Chris), Jorie

(Vermillion) Kramer (Rusty); and numerous cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Internment will be at the Simla Cemetery on Saturday July 15, 2023 at 10 a.m. with full military honors by American Legion Post 2017. A memorial service and luncheon will follow at 11 a.m. in Limon, Colo. at the Limon Community Building. In lieu of flowers please donate to American Legion Post 2017, PO Box 1054, Limon CO 80828.