Jeffery Brent Vernon's Obituary
Jeffery Brent Vernon, loving husband, father, grandfather, big brother, pastor, and friend to all, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, May 28, 2026, at his residence in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 64 years old.
Jeff was born on April 7, 1962 in Midwest City, Oklahoma, the son of Emery Eugene Vernon and Janice (Ream). When Jeff was in the sixth grade, the family relocated to Guthrie, Oklahoma, where his natural athleticism flourished. He excelled in football, basketball, wrestling, and tennis, and graduated with the Guthrie High School Blue Jays in 1980. True to his determined spirit, Jeff walked onto the golf team at Oklahoma Baptist University, where he continued his education and began preparing for a life of ministry.
It was in Guthrie where Jeff first met the love of his life, Lori O'Neal. The two were sweethearts as early as the eighth grade. After reconnecting in 1981, their love story was beautifully rekindled, and they were united in marriage on November 6, 1981, at First Assembly of God in Guthrie. Their partnership was one of deep faith, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Jeff graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and went on to complete his theological training at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, equipping him for a lifetime of pastoral ministry.
Jeff and Lori raised their family in Norman and Okmulgee, where Jeff faithfully served as Pastor of Brookhaven Baptist Church in Norman and Second Baptist Church in Okmulgee. His ministry extended far beyond the walls of any church building. Jeff traveled on mission projects to Russia, Africa, and Mexico, and was involved in numerous local mission endeavors. He was called to serve as a chaplain in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Bombing and during the devastating tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma - standing alongside hurting people in their darkest hours. During his retirement years, Jeff continued to serve other churches experiencing difficulties through Enduring Life Ministries.
Those who knew Jeff would describe him in a single breath: fun and serving. He attended youth camp every year as a pastor and was extraordinarily invested in the lives of every member of his congregation - from the youngest child to the oldest saint. He loved God and all of God's people, ministering to them from church camp to funeral services and everywhere in between. Jeff never catered to one particular age group; he welcomed everyone and made each person feel seen, valued, and loved.
A true leader, Jeff cared deeply for his staff and had a special heart for his fellow pastors, encouraging and supporting them throughout his ministry. His goal in life was simple and profound: to serve Jesus and make people laugh every day. He succeeded on both counts. Jeffery Brent Vernon was, without question, a legend in his own time.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Lori Vernon of Tulsa; his father, Emery Eugene Vernon; his four children, Michael Hale and wife Rebecca, Sarah Flud and husband Jason, Valorie Ohnesorge and husband Matthew, and Rachel Cox and husband Daniel; his grandchildren, Malachi, Jase, Colton, Rowdy, Savannah, Aurora, Ariannah, and Leo; and his brothers, Timothy Vernon, and Steven Vernon and wife Stephanie, and Mathew and Toshi Monteith, and Mark and Megan Monteith.
He was preceded in death by his mothers, Janice Vernon and Janice Stanfield.
A funeral service celebrating the life of Jeffery Brent Vernon will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Second Baptist Church in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Okmulgee Cemetery.
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