Funeral services for Vernon Harold Stellman of Claremore, Oklahoma will be on Thursday, April 28 at First Christian Church with Revs. Charles Ragland and Lisa A. Goforth officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Musgrave-Merriott-Smith Funeral Service. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Wednesday 1-8 p.m., and family will greet friends 6-8 p.m.
Vernon died on April 22 at the age of 91. The son of Thomas and Louise Stellman, Vernon was born December 20, 1919 at Purdom, Nebraska.
He graduated from Fullerton High School in May of 1937. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II in England, France, Belgium and Germany. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and received the Bronze Star Medal while serving as Line Chief, 508th Fighter Squadron. He was honorably discharged September 30, 1945 after serving 4 years, 9 months.
Vernon married Mattie Virginia Thompson on February 19, 1943 while stationed at Meridian, Mississippi. After the war was over, they moved to Tulsa, OK where he attended Spartan School of Aeronautics and received a degree in Aviation Technology. He was employed by American Airlines for 34 years as Maintenance Supervisor, retiring on November 1, 1980.
Vernon and his family moved to Claremore in 1959. He was a member of the First Christian Church, Will Rogers Masonic Lodge #53, and the American Legion Post #141.
Vernon was preceded in death by his first wife, Mattie, and his second wife, Wilma Dyke Sanders. He is survived by his third wife, Bonnie Armstrong Merriott; his brother Robert V. Stellman; his daughters Virginia Anne Aitson and husband Richard; Marilyn Verna Stellman; his son Vernon Thomas Stellman and wife Fran; grand daughter Amy Myers and husband Chad; grandsons Christopher Stellman and wife Marci, and Taylor Stellman; great grand daughters Elizabeth and Harper Mattie, and great grandson Asher.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Claremore Senior Citizens Building Fund, 116 N. Missouri Ave., Claremore, OK 74017.