Vernon M. Milburn

Vernon Milton Milburn, 96, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2016, at Ottawa Retirement Village. Family will meet with friends from 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, October 2, 2016, at Hooker United Methodist Church, Hooker, Oklahoma. Interment Hugoton Cemetery, Hugoton, Kansas, with military honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Vernon, tenth child of Ira and Pansy (Hubbard) Milburn, was born Tuesday, June 8, 1920, in the Dermot community, Morton County, Kansas. Vernon’s mother died December 1920, and his grandparents, Hosea and Emma Jane Milburn, kept him for some time. When Ira, Vernon’s dad, remarried, he was rejoined with this family. The family moved to the Rolla area where he attended Rolla High School, Rolla, Kansas, and graduated with the class of 1938. He has lived in Ottawa since 2007, moving here from Wichita. He lived many years in Hooker, Oklahoma, and San Bernardino, California. On June 6, 1942, Vernon was inducted into the U.S. Army. On January 20, 1943, Vernon sailed for Africa and eventually to Europe. From Africa to Sicily, then on to Italy, to Anizo and to Rome. Vernon walked and walked and walked. In 1944, Vernon landed in Southern France and after more walking arrived at Strasburg, France. Vernon received the Distinguished Unit Badge, Bronze Service Arrowhead, and Purple Heart with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Croix de Guerre with one palm. Vernon was united in marriage with Fay Cox in November 1945, in Rolla, Kansas. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Marlyse Milburn; parents, Ira and Pansy Milburn; three stepmothers, Lizzie Collins, Betty Abramson, and Dottie Eversole; and 21 brothers and sisters. Survivors include his two children, Gene Milburn and wife Joan of Ottawa, and Susan Franklin and husband Les of Mustang, Oklahoma; sister, Leola Thompson of Rolla, Missouri; five grandchildren, Shannon Milburn of Spring Hill, Justin Milburn of De Soto, Gena Rengel and husband Matt of Overland Park, Holly Franklin of Mustang, Oklahoma, and Ryan Franklin and wife Jennifer of Denver, Colorado; and five great grandchildren. Vernon was an owner and operated Standard Oil Company, Rolla, Kansas, from 1945 to 1960. He started working with the U.S. Postal Service December 1958, moving to Hooker, Oklahoma, April 14, 1973. He retired July 3, 1983. He deeply loved his family and his favorite activities always centered on spending time with them. He enjoyed playing cards, camping, traveling, and fishing with family and friends. The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Diabetes Association c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Vernon’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com