Verne Timothy Odermann, 83, of Tulsa, passed away Sunday, July 28, 2019.  He was born June 21, 1936 in Wing, North Dakota, to Clarence Elroy Odermann and Gladys Evelyn (Williams) Odermann.

Verne was the oldest of three children.  He had one brother, Ellis, now deceased, and a sister Lois who lives in Murphy, NC.  He grew up as a "PK", or preacher's kid, and because his father was a pastor, Verne lived in a multitude of places.  Reverend Odermann wanted Verne to follow in his footsteps and become a pastor, but Verne had a love for numbers, like his mother and brother.  He received his Associates Degree from Wessington Springs College in Wessington Springs, South Dakota.  He went on to pursue his Bachelor degree at Roberts Wesleyan College in North Chili, NY and finished his degree in English from University of Tennessee.  When people asked Verne where he got his Bachelor degree, if he were in Texas, he would say, "UT" and people would think University of Texas, but in Tulsa, he would say "TU." He always meant University of Tennessee, but people would think Texas or Tulsa!

Verne married Vicki DeWalt on July 7, 2002. While traveling one day, Verne saw a VOLVO car and said to Vicki, "Do you know what VOLVO means?" "No" replied Vicki. "It means Verne Odermann Loves Vicki Odermann!"

Verne's mother and brother were accountants and Verne had a number of "accountant" type jobs as well.  Most recently, he worked for Wood Pro Hardwood Floors, LLC in Tulsa.  He also kept the accounting books for his wife's business, DeWalt Whirlpool Baths.  He would say he "got to work there and sleep with the boss!"

Verne was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ellis.  Verne is survived by his wife, Vicki Odermann, of the home; sister, Lois Huff and husband Tim of Murphy, NC; and sister-in-law Marilyn Odermann.  He is also survived by daughter Debra and husband Kenny of OKC; son James, Sr. and wife Diane of Texas; son David and wife Sue of Minnesota; son William of Broken Arrow, OK; step-sons, Don Stevenson, Frank Glover and Robert Stevenson; step-daughter Lori Bacon and husband Fred; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Verne loved the Lord, and was a member of Victory Church in Tulsa, where he ministered through the GriefShare Group and was a part of the Senior Citizens Group.  He also loved being politically active.  Verne was a member of the 9.12 Project and TARA (Tulsa Area Republican Assembly).

To honor Verne's memory, instead of flowers, please donate to: Victory Group-GriefShare-Verne Odermann, c/o Victory Church, 7700 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa, OK 74136, or to: Verne Odermann Scholarship Fund for Foreign Students, c/o Wesleyan Christian School, 1780 Silver Lake Rd., Bartlesville, OK  74006.

Memorial Services will be Wednesday, August 14, 2019, 11:00 a.m., at Victory Church.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151