Obituary for Virgil Ackerson

Dr. Virgil Lee Ackerson

August 11, 1942 – May 28, 2024

Dr. Virgil Lee Ackerson passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 11, 1942, in Blackwell, OK. Virgil had a passion for playing sports, fishing, and gardening, which was instilled in him by his father and shared with his cousins, uncles, family, and friends. Virgil graduated from Blackwell High School in 1960, received an Associate’s degree from Northern Oklahoma College in 1962, and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in 1964, a Master’s degree in 1967, and a Doctorate in 1970 from Oklahoma State University.

Virgil was a dedicated father and husband. He married his high-school sweetheart, Jean Ann (Savage) Ackerson of Blackwell, OK, in 1965, and together, they adopted two sons, Sean and Scott. After Jean Ann’s passing, Virgil married Jeanie Ann (Douglas) Ackerson of Tonkawa in 1996.

Following his graduation, Virgil taught at Warrensburg, MO, before returning to teach at Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) in Tonkawa. He taught Algebra and Earth Science there and served as the Math and Science Department Chair for many years. Virgil was known for his unique sense of humor, high expectations for students, and dedication to helping students outside the classroom.

Virgil was known for his competitiveness, determination, and love of sports, particularly at Oklahoma State University. He was an exceptional athlete, playing baseball and basketball in high school and college and softball for decades after. He was a multi-year Letterman pitching and playing point guard in high school and at NOC. He was selected as an outstanding athlete, received the Maverick Award for conduct, sportsmanship, character, and academics at NOC, and played semi-pro baseball. He played softball for decades on teams in Tonkawa, Blackwell, Ponca, Stillwater, and Enid, including Taco Grande, the 10 Old Men, and G Men. He was considered a ringer for tournaments with a reputation for home runs and the ability to hit the ball just about anywhere. He also loved to umpire and taught many the rules, techniques, and love of the game. He served as regional director and then director of the Oklahoma Softball Association and was inducted into the Oklahoma and National Softball Hall of Fame.

Throughout his life, Virgil generously gave of his time serving on and as an officer of local organizations like Jaycees and Kiwanis, organizing and coaching youth sports and camps, serving in his local church, and on numerous community and college committees. On more than one occasion, he was honored as the Citizen of the Year.

Virgil also had a passion for gardening. He learned from his father, Floyd, experimenting and developing different plant varieties and growing everything from corn and okra to strawberries and cherries. He ran an over 10-acre garden with partners, a Salt Fork Work Ranch, and, ultimately, a large home garden where he grew produce for local grocery stores, restaurants, and community members. He was a Ponca City Farmer’s Market member for nearly 30 years. He served as president for over 15 years. He was known for everything from tomatoes to cantaloupe to apricot preserves and canned vegetables.

Virgil was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Ann (Savage) Ackerson, and parents, Floyd and Grace (Fraizer) Ackerson. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie (Douglas) Ackerson; children, Sean and wife Amy, and grandchildren Garrett and Brendan Ackerson of Kansas City, MO; Scott Ackerson and partner Alfredo Carranza of Washington, DC; sister, Vicki (Ackerson) Potts and husband Bob of Austin, TX; and numerous other close family members, friends and teammates.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 1:30 pm at First United Methodist Church of Tonkawa. In honor of his love for Oklahoma State University, attendees are invited to wear orange or attire honoring OSU. Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the NOC Foundation in honor/memory of Dr. Virgil Ackerson at the link provided, or mailed to Northern Oklahoma College Foundation, PO Box 310, Tonkawa, OK 74653.

The family appreciates anyone sharing stories of their times and connections with Virgil over the years by emailing [email protected], or leaving a comment at www.robertsandsonfh.com.