Vernon Cortez Halcromb

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, Vernon Cortez Halcromb, quietly passed away in the comfort of his home in Warren, Oregon. He was born on May 18, 1929, to Almeta Frances (Adkins) and Ray Reed Halcromb in Kansas City, Kansas. His siblings included six brothers Joseph Ray, Donald Eugene, Barrett Dubois, Oran Carver, Michael Wendell, and Kenneth Oswald; and three sisters JoAnn Delores, Myrna Frances, and Vickie Lynn.

Vernon attended Sumner High School in St. Louis, Missouri. After completing high school he attended the University of Nebraska where he majored in medicine. His aspiration was to become a psychologist, but life had other plans. He dropped out of college to join the United States Armed Forces (Navy) where he was stationed in San Diego, California. During his tenure in the Navy he attended U.S. Navy Class “A” Electrical School, U.S. Navy Inter-Communications School, U.S. Navy Atomic Warfare School and was honorably discharged in 1951.

On September 10, 1949, Vernon married his beloved sweetheart Odessa Marlene Pettis, in San Diego, California. To this union seven children were born, Sherin Renee, Donna Elise, Gail Wynnett, Kent Armond, Brian Lee, Craig Vincent, and Mark Steven.

While raising a young family Vernon went on to obtain a Bachelor of Vocational Education Degree from California State University, Long Beach and a Masters and a Doctorate degrees from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

His career spanned for many years in the field of Education. He was Education Coordinator for UCLA and the State of California, Dean of Occupational Education and Affirmative Action Officer at Pasadena City College. He and his wife relocated to Warren, Oregon in 1979 where he commuted back and forth until retiring in 1990. Wait there’s more! He went back to work for another 5 years as the Education Service District Specialist for Mt. Hood School District in Portland, Oregon.

Vernon loved sports, reading, horse racing, and helping others. He was a member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon where he served faithfully for over 39 years.

He always had a warm smile, a kind word, a listening ear, a powerful ability to pray, and a loving and giving spirit. Vernon will certainly be remembered for his love of Christ and dedication to his family.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife Odessa Marlene; his parents Ray Reed and Almeta Frances; brothers Joseph Ray, Donald Eugene, Barrett Dubois, Oran Carver, Michael Wendell, Kenneth Oswald; sisters JoAnn Delores and Myrna Frances. He is survived by his sister Vickie Lynn; daughters Sherin Renee, Donna Elise, Gail Wynnett; sons Kent Armond, Brian Lee, Craig Vincent, and Mark Steven; 17 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

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