Dr. Vernon Smith

Dr. Vernon Soriux Smith passed away on February 27, 2026, at the age of 87.

Vernon was born on June 10, 1938, in Dacoma, Oklahoma, to Guy Edward Smith and Helen Marie (Rexroad) Smith. He was raised by his grandparents John Daniel Vernon and Jeanette Virginia Rexroat. He attended Alene Public Schools before continuing his education at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He received his master's degree from the University of Oklahoma and was part of their research department. He graduated from Kansas City Osteopathic Medical School in 1974 and completed a residency in pediatrics in 1977. After completing his residency, he worked for Indian Health Services in Pawnee, Oklahoma where he proudly served his country as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Coast Guard. In1980, he began a fellowship in neonatology at St. Francis hospital in Tulsa, OK, and went on to start the neonatal ICU at Hillcrest Medical Center where he was chief of staff for many years.

Vernon was a man of integrity that loved spending time with his family. He also love God and wanted all of his loved ones to spend eternity in Heaven. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, restoring classic cars, taking scenic drives, and traveling. One of his favorite destinations was Alaska. He appreciated both the beauty of nature and the satisfaction of working with his hands.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: John Daniel Vernon and Jeanette Virginia Rexroat, his parents: Guy Edward Smith and Helen Marie Rexroad; his siblings: Ellen Ferguson, Opal Miller, Carolyn Dunham,, and Bob Smith; and his adopted daughter, Juanita Smith.

He is survived by his sister: Jonni Young, his children: Michelle Owen and husband Joe, Brian Smith and wife Amy, Carol Smith, and Russell Smith and wife Jenny; as well as his grandchildren: Kyle, Chris, Rachel, Gareth, Caitlyn, Tori, Haley, Isaiah, Caleb, Josiah, JonMichael, Jordan, Ana, Jlynn, Brian David, Silas, Abby, Ellee, and Jacob and great grandchildren: Gabriel, Gracelyn, Samantha, Grace, Isaac, Leo, and Shepherd.

Dr. Smith will be remembered for his love for his family, God, and his dedication to saving premature and sick babies.