Obituary

Bennett “Vernon” Dooley – Sailed home to Jesus on Thursday, February 07, 2019. Vernon was born March 26, 1927, In Poteau OK. Vernon worked on the family farm and graduated as a proud pirate from Poteau High School in 1945. He then served in the US Army from 1945 to 1947, rising to the rank of Sargent Major. After discharge and several years working as an auto parts salesman, he met Patricia Brant and began their 62-year journey together as husband and wife on May 2nd, 1953. Vernon served the City of Tulsa as Director of land acquisition from 1966 until his retirement in 1991. Vernon oversaw and negotiated the purchase of land and right of way which paved the way for the construction of the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, and numerous other roadway expansion and flood control projects for the City of Tulsa. 

Vernon was a charter member of Memorial Baptist Church (Tulsa), and a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at Beaumont Baptist (KC MO.) and Sheridan Road Baptist (Tulsa).

He was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Vila Dooley, Wife Pat, Brother RL, infant daughter Sandra Kay, and grandson Brett. He is survived by sons David (Judy), Bryan (Lynne), Sister in law Marie Dooley, Grandchildren Luke, Coy & Cara Dooley, and Daxon & Crystal Chapman. Great-Grandchildren Danica, Sabrina & Reece. Nephews Ben (Marcie) & Bill Dooley, and Nieces Lisa Smith and Linda Laurent.

Vernon’s hobbies were water skiing, boating, camping at the lake, RV-ing, Motorcycle riding, NASCAR, and OU football.  Vernon taught hundreds of friends, family and fellow Church members how to water ski, and he enjoyed slalom skiing well into his seventies.

Special thanks to Shondell Bennett and the staff and residents of Burgundy Place, Steve and Sue Juett of Project Veterans assistance. Nurses Felicia, Bailee & Bruce, with Physicians Choice Hospice. And the staff at Porta-Caeli House, for assisting and caring for our Father during his final days on earth. 

To our lifelong family friends, the Bynum’s, Stice’s, Horton’s, Hern’s, Pryor’s, LaValley’s, Freeman’s, Gage’s, and numerous other friends and members of Sheridan Road Baptist Church, our family says thank you for loving our parents and us.

For a life well lived, the Lord Jesus welcomed Vernon home with – “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

Visitation – Tuesday, February 12th from 6 to 8 PM., Butler-Stumpf, 2103 E. 3rd St. Tulsa. Graveside service, Wednesday, February 13th 2:00 PM, Memorial Park Cemetery – Tulsa, Pastor & friend, Steve Lewis presiding.