Vernon T. Burney

Vernon T. Burney, age 88, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Vernon was born on July 26, 1937, in Tolleson, Arizona, to Johnson Ray Burney and Edith Rickea (Johnson) Burney. In 1940, the Burney family moved to Oklahoma before later settling in Phillips, Texas, where Vernon graduated from Phillips High School in 1955.

Following graduation, Vernon began working for Phillips Petroleum Company in the oil fields before discovering that sales and marketing better suited his outgoing personality and strong work ethic. He worked in the insurance industry before moving his family to Tulsa in 1967. Vernon later worked for Addressograph Multigraph Corporation, where he earned multiple “100 Club” awards for outstanding sales performance.

In February of 1973, Vernon began his long career with Special Service Systems, a company founded by Gary Drummond. Starting as a part-time salesperson before moving into full-time employment in 1976, Vernon spent more than 26 years selling and marketing products to oil companies, banks, and retailers. He retired from Special Service Systems in 1999 after a successful and respected career in sales and marketing.

Vernon proudly served his country for 16 years in the National Guard, including 10 years in the Army National Guard and 6 years in the Air National Guard, where he held the rank of Sergeant First Class and served as a Crew Chief responsible for munitions loading on military aircraft.

On June 25, 1983, Vernon married Homerlene Burney, and together they shared 42 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, family, and adventure. After retirement, Vernon and Homerlene enjoyed traveling and spending time together making memories with their family.

Vernon enjoyed fishing, gardening, and watching football, especially cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns. He was known for his friendly personality, dedication to his family, and ability to connect with people everywhere he went.

He is survived by his wife, Homerlene Burney of the home; daughters, Tina Meyer of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Cheryl Bergwell and husband John of Overland Park, Kansas, Tammie Mossien and husband Joe of Wagoner, Oklahoma, and Kallene Ridley and husband Kevin of Haskell, Oklahoma; 13 grandchildren, Sarah Vouga and husband Steve, Hannah Bergwell, Josh Bergwell, Mary Bergwell, Kallene Brewer, Kendra Kallenberger, James Mossien and wife Kelsie, Jeffrey Mossien and wife Diana, Kary Dixon and husband Robert, Kory Ridley and wife Kayla, Autumn Rose Moore and husband Keith, John Bergwell and wife Misho, and Nick Bergwell; 20 great-grandchildren, Taylor Brewer, Kennedy Brewer, Grayson Dixon, Mason Dixon, Cooper Ridley, Jolee Ridley, Malea Ridley, Jorja Daniels, Jadon Daniels, Bentley Mossien, Caysen Mossien, Kylee Mossien, Isla Mossien, Luna Mossien, Lavinia Moore, Kain Moore, Wade Moore, Chloe Stills, Karsyn Stills, and Gabriel Vouga; sister, Amy Hill of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; along with many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Joan Collett and Tamara Jean Burney; and brothers, Paul Burney and Ray Burney.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Brown’s Funeral Service in Coweta, Oklahoma. Funeral services celebrating Vernon’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Brown’s Funeral Service Chapel in Coweta, Oklahoma, with Rev. Sandy Bach officiating. Burial will follow at Vernon Cemetery in Coweta, Oklahoma.

Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. Vernon’s family entrusted his care and services to Brown’s Funeral & Cremation Service, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, Oklahoma 74429, 918-486-5515.