Vernon Leroy Brown

Vernon Leroy Brown was born on November 16, 1929 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. He was the son of Earl T. and Flossie Ellen (Highland) Brown. As a young man Vernon grew up in the Russell, Kansas area and began working at the local IGA Grocery store. The company was later purchased by Safeway where he continued to work and later moved with his parents following the oil boom throughout Oklahoma and Kansas. In 1947, Vernon moved to Cleveland and continued working with his father in the oil fields gaining knowledge of the industry. Vernon was later married to Bonita Maye Comer on January 3, 1950 in Cleveland, Oklahoma at the current Grace Baptist Church. The couple made their home in Cleveland, raising three children, Vernon Leroy, Jr., Mikal Ray and Lisa Gayle. Vernon later purchased his current home in the 1966 with War Bonds which he purchased after every payday. In 1970, Vernon ventured out on his own purchasing oil production in the area and has continued to operate and produce crude and natural gas till present day. Vernon and Bonita loved to travel. They would take extended vacations traveling throughout Canada and the United States. Vernon has also rode motorcycleís with his sonís from Key West, Florida to Prince Rupert, BC as well as many other places in the United States. He also enjoyed many days fishing throughout Canada; fishing one day then site seeing the next. Vernon also loved to attend the Oklahoma Steam and Gas Engine Show held annually in Pawnee. Vernon was loved by his family and grandchildren immensely. He always had a snack for his grandchildren when they would arrive at his home and they knew exactly where to go and find them. Vernon was a faithful member of the Grace Baptist Church for several years. Vernon passed from this life on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at his home in Cleveland, Oklahoma at the age of 82 years and 22 days. Survivors are his two sons Vernon Brown and his wife Tena of Blanchard, Oklahoma, Mikal Brown and Lori Hamilton of Cleveland Oklahoma; one daughter, Lisa Brown and Don Collins, Cleveland, Oklahoma; four grandchildren Jennifer Zickefoose and Caz Kupinski of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Jason Brown and his wife Rachana of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Kameron Kendrick of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Corbin Peters of Cleveland, Oklahoma; nine great grandchildren Jaidyn, Camdyn, Paisley, Hadley, Talan, Chloee, Phoenix, Abigayle, Blane and a host of other relatives and friends. Vernon was preceded in death by his wife Bonita Maye Brown in April of 2008, his father Earl ìTugî Brown, mother Flossie Ellen Brown (Highland), one brother Marvin Brown and a great grandson Noah Brown. Church services will be held 10:30 am Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the Grace Baptist Church with Pastor Richard Perkins officiating. Burial will be held in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.