Vernon Albert Tuck, formerly of Tulsa, OK entered heaven early Friday morning, Feb. 21st at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO. Vernon was 82 years old. He was born in the small community of Lone Wolf, OK on Nov. 3rd, 1931 to Ollie Mae and Jesse Havron. Vernon's mother re-married Clayton Tuck after a divorce, when Vernon was three years old.
Vernon grew up in Lawton, OK, along with his future bride, Evelyn Rainwater. Vernon and Evelyn lived on the same street in Lawton two houses apart from one another. Evelyn's Brother Bobby and Vernon were best friends before Vernon realized Bobby had a sister, that he would spend the rest of his life with. Vernon was 16 and Evelyn was 14 when they began their 66 year love affair.
Vernon served four years in the Navy from 1950-1954, stationed out of Oakland, CA. Evelyn and Vernon were married June 29th, 1952 when Vernon was 20 and Evelyn was 18. Vernon actually went AWOL while he was in port at San Diego to marry Evelyn on June 29th, 1952 in Yuma, Arizona. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last year.
Immediately upon his release from the Navy, Vernon went to work at Public Service Company of Oklahoma in Lawton in 1954. He remained at PSC until 1982 at which time he changed companies and went to work with the Grand River Dam Authority. Vernon retired from GRDA in 1993 at the age of 62 and began a new full time career as one of the world's greatest grandpas and great-grandpas that ever lived. What made him so exceptional… was his profound faith and belief that what he read in the Bible was actually ALL true. This revelation became so real to Vernon that he became a born again… man of God, at the age of 22. This decision, THE most important decision Vernon made in his 82 years, was evident to all those who were blessed to know this man. Vernon was a very active member of Eastwood Baptist Church until he moved to Joplin, MO in May of 2012. The difficult decision to leave their home of 44 years was made so he and Evelyn could be close to his daughter Patti, who became caregiver to both he and Evelyn.
Vernon, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, Pa Tuck, Big Pa, Uncle Vernon…you will be greatly missed. The impact you've made on those you've touched in your 82 years reaches all the way to heaven. God used your life as an example of Jesus' love and sacrifice.
Vernon is survived by his wife Evelyn, son, Greg Tuck and wife Becky, daughter Patti Powell, and son David Tuck and wife Gina. Vernon is also survived by grandchildren Gregory Powell and wife Tandra, Hayley Powell-Crumrine and husband Jason, Crosby Tuck and wife Lauren, Jake Tuck, Jayme Tuck, and Crissy Tuck; great grandchildren Kingston Powell, Kylan Powell, and Grayson Crumrine; Sister-in-law, Beatrice Brock and Niece Lana Carol Mixson and husband Danny.
Vernon's memorial service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 2/26, at Eastwood Baptist Church, 949 S. 91st East Avenue, Tulsa, OK. Visitation will be at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 East 51st Street from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on 2/25.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Moore Funeral Home, Southlawn Chapel, Tulsa. Share memories at www.moorefuneral.com