Vernon was born on September 4, 1924, in Webbers Fall, Oklahoma, to Isaac and Mildia. He was the fifth of nine children and spent most of his younger life in the Russellville/Dardenell, Arkansas area. His dad contracted tuberculosis and the young lad suffered an attack of scarlet fever, which made him the runt of the family (his six brothers were all over 6’3” tall and he was only 5’8”). On October 9, 1943, he married Lily in Morrilton, Arkansas, and six children were born to that union.
He worked many jobs before settling down to raise his family. He did normal farm work; but when he left home, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps and surveyed public works programs in Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas. He worked at a saw mill and an ice plant where he handled 300 pound blocks of ice. He drove a truck and worked in the oil fields and in California’s B-24 bomber manufacturing plant. He learned to lay native stones and helped build several schools, including the gym in Ola, Arkansas.
After Vernon had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, he gave his efforts to helping in the churches he attended. He has worked on church buildings and parsonages in every phase from remodeling to new construction. He was an excellent Adult Sunday School teacher, served as a deacon, and was often called upon to fill the pulpit in the Pastor’s absence.
After almost losing his life in a truck accident in 1950, Vernon began seeking employment which did not require heavy lifting. He went to work for Nelson Electric Manufacturing Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he retired after 34 years (1950-1984). With that company, he worked in quality control, served as a lead-man, and was advanced to shop foreman. He knew how to lead men and get the products completed. He worked hard to complete his GED, because he had been hiring men with college degrees.
After retiring to Morrilton, Arkansas in 1984, Vernon felt the Lord call him to preach the Word. He obeyed, got his education, and received credentials with the Assemblies of God. Opportunities to pastor came to him from Bigelow and Atkins, Arkansas.
Vernon worked two or three jobs most of his life. He liked to stay busy, but he also had hungry kids to feed. Even after retirement, it was usual to find him working long hours helping to electrically wire houses and could always be counted on to fix people’s dryers.
Vernon’s goals in life were to teach his children, by word and action, to serve the Lord and develop a good work ethic. He believed they went hand in hand. He often was heard saying, “The Bible plainly says, ‘Six days shalt thou work and one day you may rest!’” He learned to love fishing and was frequently found on the Arkansas River bank, where everyone knew him as “Preacher”.
He had to bury one young son, Sammy, who drowned in California, but much harder was the day Vernon had to bury his wife of 62 years. He only has two brothers and one sister who are still living, plus five children, seventeen grandchildren, and thirty-five great-grandchildren and more than can be counted of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Late in life, he found Port O’Connor and enjoyed coming here. He has often fished the bays and has quite a number of “fish tales” to relate to his “river buddies”. He found pleasure in putting in all the electrical components at Fisherman’s Chapel parsonage. He could hardly wait to get the latest report on the progress of the retreat center at the Chapel, to which he and Lily had made financial commitments.
Probably the readers are wondering why I am going into such detail about a man many never met – it is because Vernon Samuel McDonough is my dad!
Like most sons, much of who I am is a direct result of who Dad is! I probably spend too much time working and get involved in far too many projects at the same time! I have a profound love for God and for His Holy Word and spend hours studying to find special nuggets to share with others. I love my wife and my children and work hard to make sure all their needs are met, to the best of my ability. I like to fish, but am involved in too many things to take advantage of the place God has planted me. I like to hunt, but would never think of going hunting without others being around – I like people! My Bible is marked and underlined, much like his. I love going to church and often find myself at the services of others churches. Many of his sayings have become mine – like “spend most of your time on things that will matter more than 100 years!” and “God always sees around the corners!”
Today, I have spent time with my grandchildren Kailee, Tyler, Conner, and Ava (who is only seven weeks old). I had lunch with the kids and my daughter. I have taken my lovely wife out to dinner. I have visited with several people via telephone and in person here in my office. I have dried my eyes several times while typing because my dad is in the last days of his life. He has “fought the good fight, finished the course, and awaits the crown of righteousness that has been prepared for him,” which is the theme of his funeral service, which I will conduct.
More and more I realize that it is not easy to be a dad, but it is easier when one has a good example. Was Dad perfect – NO! But, he sure was right more than he was wrong – I hope someone will be able to say that about me some day!
“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.”
Proverbs 20:7 NKJV
