Vernon William Kessner, Jr.

Funeral services for Vernon William Kessner, Jr., 78, of Sperry, OK, were held Saturday, October 25, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Sperry, OK. Reverend Andy Anquoe officiated, and burial was in Rest Haven Cemetery in Sperry, OK. Honorary Pallbearers were Anthony Quinten, Forrest Quinten, Samuel Anquoe, Seth Anquoe, Conner Wood, Matt Hughes, Crittoned Sayre and Grady Sayre.

Vernon was born on Saturday, January 18, 1947, in Hutchinson, KS, to Vernon William Kessner, Sr. and Geraldine Frances (Brewer) Kessner. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Broken Arrow, OK.

Vernon graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Army in August of that year, serving for three years. After his service, he attended the Oklahoma School of Accountancy, where he met the love of his life, Susan Harding. They were married on December 17, 1971, at First Baptist Church in Sperry, and made their home in Tulsa. Vernon and Susan experienced heartbreak with the loss of their son, Vernon William III, in 1973, but found joy with the arrival of their daughter, Sarah Beth, in 1974 — their rainbow after the storm. In the spring of 1987, they settled into their current home in Sperry. Vernon began his 28-year career with the Wesche Company in 1972, where he quickly became one of the company’s top salesmen, earning numerous awards for his dedication and success. He enjoyed watching countless movies and television shows, cheering for his beloved Oklahoma Sooners, joking around with anyone and everyone and taking his family on many vacations. Vernon’s home was always open to his daughter’s friends and the youth of Sperry First Baptist. Above all, he cherished time spent spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Vernon is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan; daughter, Sarah and husband, Anthony; grandson, Forrest; granddaughter, Hannah and husband, Conner; great-grandchildren, Cadence and Landry Quinten, and Jensen Wood; bonus family, Andy and Gretchen Anquoe and their children, Samuel, Seth, Abbie, Anna, and Ruth; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Vernon Kessner, III; parents, Vernon Kessner, Sr, and Geraldine Kessner; stepmother Ursula Kessner; sister, Julie Allred and husband, Charles; niece, Barbara Perkins; nephew, James Allred; and many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.