Vernon Oakley

Vernon Lebert Oakley, son of the late Francis & Mary Ellen (Berry) Oakley, was born on September 15, 1936 in Woodbury, Illinois and departed this life on February 28, 2023 in Camdenton, Missouri. At the time of his passing, Vernon was eighty-six years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and seven brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Baynes) Oakley; his children, Cheri Oakley, Cynthia & husband Craig Smith and Douglas & wife Elizabeth Oakley; his sister, Joyce & husband Ted Rinkel; and seven grandchildren. He also leaves behind a host of many friends and other family members who will truly miss him.

Vernon was born and raised in Woodbury, Illinois, where he would later graduate from high school. Following his high school graduation, Vernon enlisted in the United States Navy, in May of 1954, where he proudly served his country until he was discharged from Active Duty and continued serving in “Ready Active Reserves” until May of 1962.

After serving in the United States Navy, Vernon was ordained to the Christian Ministry in 1959, by the First Christian Church, Winslow, Arizona. During his fifty-one years of ministry, he served churches in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri; including twenty-four years with the Christian Church in Heyworth, Illinois.

From 1967-1970, he served as a missionary in Zambia, Africa; where he conducted many revivals, seminars and served on a number of local, state and national committees.

Vernon was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 1966. He was given the Distinguished Alumni Award in Missions from Kentucky Christian University-2004, and is a member of President’s Circle at Kentucky Christian University.

Vernon held a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a Master of Divinity Degree and an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree. He loved God, the ministry, and the people. He will be missed by his family and friends as well as the many people he impacted during his life.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather & brother and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:30am in the Heyworth Christian Church in Heyworth, Illinois.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.