Vernon E. Askew, Son of Harry and Cleo Askew, was born on May 5, 1930 in Oklahoma City. He departed this life May 14, 2016 at the age of 85. On August 23, 1955, he was united in marriage to Reta Beth Favor, and to this union two sons and two daughters were born. He was preceded in death by his Wife, Reta Beth and Daughter Amy Annette Davis.
Vernon is survived by one daughter, Angela Alice Askew of Grand Junction, Colorado, two sons Andrew Alan and wife Lori Denise Askew and daughter Kylie of Weatherford, Ok, and Andy Alva and wife Chela Lynn Askew of Oklahoma City, Ok. as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Vernon graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City, class of 1948. In 1956 He Graduated from Oklahoma A&M (Oklahoma State University) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration where he was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity.
Vernon joined Oklahoma National Guard November 13, 1946 as private at the age of 16. As a Master Sergeant Vernon served in Japan and Korea 1951-1952 with the 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment - 45th Infantry “Thunderbird” Division. In June 1952 he returned home and reverted to the Oklahoma National Guard. On April 1, 1953 he received a direct commission as a Second lieutenant. Vernon continued to serve in the Oklahoma National Guard for 22 years attaining the rank of Major. In May of 1969, Vernon transferred to the United States Army Reserve. In August 1971 he was attached to the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York as a liaison officer in the Admissions Department. Vernon graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in June of 1975 and on August 28, 1975 he was promoted to Colonel. Among his awards and decorations are: Combat Infantry Badge, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Oklahoma National Guard Commendation Medal. On June 5, 1990 Vernon retired with 44 years, one month and 13 days in the Oklahoma Nation Guard, Army and Army Reserve. Vernon was a perpetual member of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), a lifetime member of the Reserve Officers Association, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a lifetime member of the American Legion, Post 200 in Crescent Oklahoma.
Vernon served on the Oklahoma Accountancy Board 1992-2001, and was a lifetime member of the Oklahoma Society of Accountants. Vernon was OSA President – 1981-82 and is the longest serving member of the governing board in OSA history – over 30 continuous years of service. Vernon was a member of the Frances Tuttle Vo-Tech Advisory Board, He also served as president of the Lion’s Club and was president of the Oklahoma Christian Foundation. Vernon also served on the MAPS Citizens Oversight Board. Vernon spent 33 years in Public Accounting and also taught for 10 years as an Adjunct Faculty Accounting Instructor at Oklahoma State University in Oklahoma City. Vernon and his wife Beth were members of Hillcrest Christian Church, Okla. City, Memorial Christian Church, Okla. City, and the New Covenant Christian Church, Okla. City.
We celebrate his life and his accomplishments, His service to his country and community and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends. We wish to thank Integris Hospice House North, Legend Assisted Living Center Staff, and all the others who lovingly cared for Vernon during the last several years and weeks.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday May 21, 2016 at Vondel L Smith & Son North Colonial Chapel with burial and military honors following at Victor Cemetery North of Crescent Oklahoma.. There will be a viewing Thursday, May 19, 2016 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and also Friday, May 20, 2016 from Noon until 8:00 pm with the family at funeral home to receive friends from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm.

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