Vernon "Pops" Owen Oates

Vernon “Pops” Owen Oates passed away to his heavenly home at age 93 on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Vernon was a humble, caring, patient and wise Christian man. He enjoyed fishing, garage sales, telling Texas yarns, family gatherings and attended church services. He was a faithful member of Harvest Baptist Church. He worked at Gandy’s creamery 25 years before retiring. He then worked for Automagic out of Wichita Falls, Texas until his retirement in the 1990’s. Vernon served in the Air Force during WWII from 1942 – 1946. He earned 6 honorable decorations during his military career. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant from the 455 Air Force Squadron. Vernon “Jiggs” was born in Bastrop, Texas to William “John” Oates and Erie Oline “Webb” Oates. He was the 5th child of 9 siblings. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lettie Mae “Robinson” Oates of 52 years; infant twin sons, Vernon Owen Oates and Verlin Gowen Oates; daughter, Verna Mae “Oates” Hollingsworth; and siblings, Edith Smith, Thelma Horesis, Verlin Oates, Millie Helmers, John Oates, Noble Oates and Ima Cook. Vernon is survived by a daughter, Debra Oates; granddaughter, Selena and husband Fred Wells; two grandsons, Vincent and Clayton Hollingsworth of Doerun, Georgia; two great grandkids, Chancey and Matthew Wells; brother, Grady and wife Marietta Oates; sister, Billie Sutton and numerous nieces, nephews and several friends. Come and go visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 3, 2017 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Harvest Baptist Church with Pastor Ron Patterson officiating. Burial will follow in Wall cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ottis Sutton, Larry Magill, Terance Scott, Dub Smith, Everett Dodson, Owen Sutton, Fred Wells and Mel Shull. A special thanks to Elaine and Ottis for your loving assistance in maintaining his independence. In lieu of flowers and plants the family request contributions be sent to Harvest Baptist Church of San Angelo. Family and friends may leave condolences online at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com