Vernon Bliss

Vernon Walter Bliss, 86, of Freedom, Oklahoma passed away on October 18, 2007. Vernon was born on May 30, 1921, to Roy and Essie Bliss of Hopeton, Oklahoma. He was the fourth of five boys. Shortly after his birth the family moved to the Lookout area. Vernon attended the first eight grades in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Freedom High School with the class of 1939. After graduating high school, Vernon joined the CCC. He married Maxine Thompson and they headed for California where the shipyards awaited newcomers from the Midwest. During this time, Vernon joined the Navy Seabees and then spent two years in the South Pacific. While in the Seabees his first son, Con, was born. Upon returning home from the Navy, Vernon and Maxine made their home in Richmond, CA where Vernon worked for Standard Oil. It was in this time period that their second son, Dale was born. In 1949, Vernon moved his family back to Lookout, OK and began farming and ranching. In the years following they suffered a horrendous drought and Vernon was forced to take a job in Wichita, KS laying bricks. It was during these times, when his two later children were born, Ron and Candi. Maxine, his wife of fifty-three years passed away in 1995. In 1997, Vernon married his current wife, Denzel. They had homes in both Freedom and Woodward but he never stayed away from his farm for long. His passion was his cattle and his antique cars. Vernon was an active member of several civic organizations. He was a member of the Woods County Fair Board and the Freedom Museum Board along with being a longtime member of the VFW. He was proudly honored as the Freedom Rodeo's Old Cow Hand in 2006. Vernon was preceded in death by his first wife, Maxine, his daughter, Candi, four brothers, Alfred, Lester, Jesse, and Leo, and a grandson, Marty. Survivors include his wife, Denzel of Woodward, his son Con of Huntington Beach, CA, his son Dale and wife Cindy of Oklahoma City, OK and son Ron and wife Janet of Newcastle, OK. Also surviving are his six grandchildren, Justin, Cristi, Trent, Tyson, Mindi, and Courtney, also many great grand children, nieces, nephews, and other family members. PDF Printable Version

Vernon Bliss

May 30, 1921 - October 19, 2007