Rev. Vernon McDonough
The Reverend Vernon Samuel McDonough, 87, entered into his Heavenly reward on August 15, 2012, at his home in Morrilton, Arkansas, with family at his bedside.
Born September 4, 1924, in Webbers Fall, Oklahoma, the Reverend McDonough was the fifth of nine children born to Isaac Oliver and Mildia R. Sarah (Suggs) McDonough. He spent most of his younger life in Russellville/Dardanelle area. He married Lily A. Hubbard on October 9, 1943, in Morrilton. They had six children.
The Reverend McDonough served the Lord in most areas of church life and upon retirement after 34 years from Nelson Electric Manufacturing Company, Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was credentialed with the Arkansas District of the Assemblies of God. He pastored at the Bigelow Assembly and Cornerstone Assembly, which is near Atkins, Arkansas.
The Reverend McDonough’s goal in life was to teach his children, by word and action, to serve the Lord and to develop a good work ethic. Upon retirement in 1984, he returned to Morrilton and worked electrical construction and rebuilding dryers. He enjoyed fishing and was known as “Preacher” on the river bank.
The Reverend McDonough was preceded in death by his wife, Lily after 62 years of marriage; one son, Vernon “Sammy Jr.”; one sister, Lois Wright; and four brothers: Norman, Thurman, James, and Elmo; and his parents.
The Reverend McDonough is survived by five children, Ruth Anna Elledge and Don of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Reverends Erny and Joane McDonough of Port O’Connor, Texas; Janet Sanchez and Delfido of Coolidge, Arizona; Dean McDonough and Judy of Howe, Texas; and Elaine French and Don of Sanger, Texas; 17 grandchildren, and 35 great-grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn his passing two brothers, Lattie and Barbara of Russellville, Arkansas and Isaac Jr. of Houston, Texas; one sister, Martha McDonald of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Meryl Wright of Okmulgee, Oklahoma; sisters-in-law Barbara Cooper and Bobby of Morrilton, Arkansas, Dorothy, Norma Lou, and Bobbi McDonough, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Amy (Hubbard) Redfern of Oakhurst, Oklahoma.
Funeral services were held Monday, August 20, at the Oppelo Assembly of God. Burial was at Aunt Dilly Cemetery, Rose Creek Community, Arkansas.
