Vernon D. Knope

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Vernon Dean "Stokie" Knope, age 70, of Coulterville, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in Coulterville Care Center, Coulterville, Ill.

Vernon was born on July 29, 1939 in Coulterville, Ill., a son to Kenneth and Vivian (Owens) Knope. On Feb. 9, 1977, he married Patty Jo Muszynski in Union, Mo. and she survives. Vernon was a retired coal miner, who also worked as a truck driver and diesel mechanic. Prior to this, he served on the Red Bud Police Department and as a Randolph County Sheriff's Deputy. Vernon enjoyed fishing and hunting and devoted over 20 years to his community as a Village Trustee. Vernon was a former Lion's Club president, a member of the Randolph County Rod and Gun Club, a Cub Scout Master, a 29 year member of the Masonic Lodge and furthered his community service through his years as a volunteer firefighter and E.M.T.

Vernon is survived by his wife, six children: Kim Knope of Coulterville, Ill., Randall Knope of Cutler, Ill., Jason (Jill) Loos of Coulterville, Ill., Steven (Summer) Loos of Marietta, Ga., Mike (Helena) Knope of Sparta, Ill., Jeff (Heather) Knope of Cartersville, Ga., his dear grandchildren: Kristin, Joey, Josh, Jake, Dusty, Dakota, Crystal, Cara, Caylee, Christian and Tyler, and one sister: Katherine (Gene) Meyer of Krakow, Mo.

Vernon is also survived by his best friend of more than 50 years, Richard "Road Ditch" Mueller and family, all of his wonderful neighbors, numerous friends and co-workers along with a large extended family that includes many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, step-father: Arlin Voss and one son: Steve Knope.

Funeral services were held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Coulterville, Ill. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. with Ron Mazander officiating. Interment was in Coulterville City Cemetery, Coulterville, Ill.

Friends were able to call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Coulterville, Ill. on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Masonic services will be held Friday at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Coulterville Care Center, Coulterville, Ill.

For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.