Verlyn M. Hoagland

Verlyn was born on May 20, 1934 in New Sweden, Idaho.  He attended grade school in Hammett and High School in Glenns Ferry, Idaho. Verlyn was the junior and senior class president, student body vice president, and participated in high school sports. After high school Verlyn served 18 months in the 82nd Airborne Division. Verlyn married Myrle Davis on September 11, 1956 in Elko, Nevada. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in government, history and physical education from Idaho State University. 

In 1962, Verlyn began his coaching and teaching career in Rockland, Idaho where he coached basketball and started the football and track programs. In 1972, the Hoagland family moved to Aberdeen, Idaho where Verlyn coached the Tigers in basketball, football and track. The Tigers won the State basketball title in 1973. The High School and community celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the State title in 2023.

In 1976 Verlyn and Myrle moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming where Verlyn taught and coached for 23 years. During those years Coach Hoagland’s basketball team never lost more than 5 games in a season, won 3rd at State four times and took home 1st and 2nd at State twice. With his success coaching the Broncs, Coach Hoagland was regionally known as ‘The Legend’. Verlyn’s summer work while in Jackson included working for the US Forest Service and helping Myrle at Boyer’s Indian Art and Jewelry. He also worked several summers in Alaska.

After retirement Verlyn and Myrle returned to Hammett to the small farm where Myrle was raised, then to the warmer weather in St. George, Utah where son Steve looked after them. Following Myrle’s passing in August 2022, Verlyn moved to Brigham City, Utah where daughter Deanna provided support and care for him until his passing. 

Verlyn liked to watch old cowboy movies, listen to western music, drive his Cadillac, participate in a good practical joke and he loved his family. His granddaughters remember how he loved playing with them at the old Jackson Elementary School playground. He was also known to play Polly Pocket and Barbie with them.

Verlyn is preceded in death by his parents, older brother John Cecil who died in infancy, wife Myrle of 66 years, daughter Sydney Alvarez and brother-in-law Merrill Davis. He is survived by brother Ron Hoagland, sister Vicki Kahler, brother-in-law Glenn Davis and their families; children Kevin (Sarah), Steve (Tami) and Deanna Allred (Tyler); and son-in-law Ciro Alvarez. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren; Janie (Brandon), Caitlin (Dan), Savannah (Matt), Abbey (Shane) and Stephanie (JC); 9 great-grandchildren (including one on the way) Victoria, Malcolm, Jon, Rosie, Hendrix, Jett, Ledger, Sienna; extended family and in-laws, Betty Jo Hoagland, her children and their families, which includes the Wright rodeo team. 

We would like to thank the athletes, fellow coaches and teachers, trainers, managers, bus drivers, fans, friends and family that have been part of Verlyn’s long life. Many friendships were nurtured in the communities he lived. In addition to coaching fundamentals and sportsmanship, Coach Hoagland taught life’s winning strategies of integrity, honesty and respect.  Thank you to the Maple Springs and Aegis staff for their care and support.

Services will be held at the Community Church (9223 W Church Rd) in Hammett, Idaho on March 20, 2025 at 11:00 am under the direction of Rost Funeral Home. A Zoom link will be available to join the service remotely. Verlyn will be interred in the Glenn Rest cemetery in Glenns Ferry, Idaho next to his wife Myrle, daughter Sydney and near numerous family members.  A luncheon will follow at the Hammett Community Church.