Vernon Monroe

Vernon “Vern” Otholee Monroe left us quietly Wednesday afternoon April 29, 2015 in BayCare Hospital New Port Richey, Florida while visiting and holding hands with wife Wynne, daughter Alice Kosmalski, son Dennis Monroe, and family friend Ruth Fontaine.

Vernon was born July 29, 1924 at home on a farm near Verden, Oklahoma, the first son to Alton and Alma Lois Heavin Monroe. His family worked hard on the farm and Vernon learned how to fix any and everything, especially useful during the Depression Era. He served in the Navy during WWII between October 1943 and May 25 1946 as an Aviation Mechanic. Vern and Wynne married June 2nd, 1946 when he returned home from his military service. He worked in all aspects of the automotive industry in Grady county Oklahoma; he also taught auto mechanics at Central High School in Oklahoma City before eventually starting a long 24+ year career with Chrysler Corporation in 1955. As Master Technician and division and zone manager, Chrysler moved him during his career from Oklahoma City, to Memphis, and to Dallas before he retired. He passed up promotions that would take his family any further away from home. Because of his knowledge, experience, and honest simple charm, Chrysler used him for many important projects such as the turbine car and training dealership service personnel when Chrysler introduced cruise control, computer chip sensors, and other new technologies.

Retirement from Chrysler brought him full circle, as he returned to teaching auto mechanics and mentoring young men and women in his shop classes at Grapevine High School.Vern was a 50 year member of First Baptist Church in Euless and a long standing member of Dr. Bell’s Sunday school class. Vern thoroughly enjoyed listening to gospel music. Bob Neely, the senior care pastor at First Baptist Church of Euless, will conduct the services on Saturday.

Everywhere he lived friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family always knew he was happy to lend a helping hand, hard work with friends and family was never hard to him, Mr. Fix Anything. The neighborhood never had a car for long that needed work and all the kids had bicycles in good working order. In each place he was always careful to provide a great home as well as a home in the local Southern Baptist church as a tithing member and teacher. He enjoyed having a shop area at home for metal and woodworking as well as for electronics and old radios, not to mention the pristine yard and equipment.

He was the eldest son of seven very close brothers and sisters and being attentive to family members on all sides of the families and community, Vern and Wynne were always close in spirit to Oklahoma and back regularly, kids in tow, even when living in other states.

Family, Honesty, Commitment, and Doing it right the first time were recurring themes of his Christian philosophy.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife, Wynne, whom he was married to for one month shy of 70 years, son, Dennis Monroe of Dallas, TX, and daughter, Alice Kosmalski and husband Dan of New Port Richey, Florida. He has four grandchildren: Crystal Poll and Husband Dave of Land O Lakes, FL, Meredith Monroe of Dallas, TX, David Kosmalski of Orlando, FL, and Andrea Kosmalski of Orlando, FL. and one great-grandson, Wesley Poll. Vern is also survived by his four loving sisters: Valerie Wingate of Beaumont, Texas, Annabelle Weaver of Del City, OK, Carolyn Wilkinson and husband Edwin of Tulsa, OK, Della Bramblett of Pocasset, OK; and one brother, Alvin Monroe and wife Jean of Konawa, OK; 22 nieces and nephews, and scores of family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his brother Olen Monroe of Blandchard, OK, sister-in-law Donce Monroe, brother-in-law, Marion “Short” Weaver of Del City, OK, and brother-in-law Donald Bramblett of Pocasset, OK.

God has blessed us with Vern and given us a shining example that is now sorely missed.