Vernon M. Scofield

Col. Vernon M. Scofield (Ret.) of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully on Monday, February 09, 2015 at his home. Vernon was born on the family farm, Lackawanna Farms, on July 9, 1922 in Hill County outside of Hillsboro, Texas to Frank and Katherine Mayer Scofield. Vernon was one of five children: Frank Lewis, Katherine, John, Vernon and Martha.

Vernon joined Troop 2 of the Boy Scouts in 1934, where he advanced to Eagle Scout. In July of 1937, Vernon traveled to the Boy Scouts' National Jamboree in Washington D.C., directly followed by his steaming across the Atlantic to the Boys Scouts' World Jamboree in Vogelenzang, Netherlands in August of 1937. Later Vernon helped found, and became the 1st President of the Austin High Scout Club. Vernon continued in scouting until he left Austin to attend his beloved Texas A&M University from 1939 to 1943; upon his war-rushed early graduation he was deployed to Casablanca, North Africa.

Prior to receiving his overseas orders, Vernon married Audrey Lee Kirkpatrick, ("…the best- dam*-looking woman in Hill County") at the Post Chapel at Camp Lee in Petersburg, Virginia, on November 18, 1943. Vernon's wartime exploits took him across Africa to Oran, to Naples, Italy where he was merged into Gen. Patton's 7th Army to land in the allied invasion of southern France, August 15, 1944, thereafter crossing France and most of Germany before returning to Texas in the spring of 1946. Vernon continued his military service, first as an inactive reservist then as a member of the Texas National Guard's 249th Quartermasters Battalion of the 49th Armored Division.

A born cattleman, Vernon shared a love of pure-bred Durham Shorthorn cattle with his grandfather, Dr. John S. Scofield and his father, Frank Scofield. Vernon graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Animal Husbandry. Upon his return from WW II in 1946 he took over the management of Scofield Ranch in Austin until 1960, when he became Assistant Director of the Texas Animal Health Commission. During these years, Vernon followed in his father's footsteps as a breeder and judge of Shorthorns and other breeds in cattle shows across the country and once held the position of President of the Southwest Cattlemen's Association.

In 1965, Vernon took a position with the Texas National Guard which led to his appointment in1970 by Gov. Preston Smith to USPFO (United State Property & Fiscal Officer) for the State of Texas. During his tenure his office was never ranked lower than 5th in the 50 states and was 1st on 3 separate occasions. Having held that position longer than anyone before him (12 yrs.), the U.S. Army often referred Col. Scofield and his office to newly appointed USPFOs to assist with the set-up and management of their new offices.

Vernon's great loves were: Audrey, his family, the Boys Scouts, Texas A&M, shorthorn cattle and his years in military service. Vernon often said of himself, "I was a cowboy by choice and a soldier by necessity", but he was much more to his family and friends. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Vernon will be remembered for his deep and abiding kindness, integrity, contagious happiness, humor and remarkable strength and endurance. Vernon is survived by his treasured wife of 71 years, Audrey K. Scofield, his daughter Nancy S. Cobb, her husband Brian Cobb, and her children: Andrew Johnson, his wife Mary and their son Jacob, Samuel Johnson, Katherine J. Lackey and her husband Matt, and their son Charlie; his son John M. Scofield, his wife Holly P. Scofield, and their children: Sydney S. Moore, her husband Kevin, Evan L. Scofield and stepdaughter Lisa M. Miller, and her husband Nicholas and their daughters Eliza and Genevieve. He is also survived by his sister, Martha S. Rieger, her husband Bill and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank Vernon's long-time caregivers, Paseka, Inonge, David and others along with the Hospice Austin team, all of whom helped comfort and care for him during his last remaining days. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, the 13th of February, 2015 at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX.