Vernon Tsoodle

Vernon ("Tubby") Tsoodle, 80, of Webster, TX formerly of Meers, OK passed away Thursday, October 13th, 2011, at his residence in Webster, TX. He was born May 13, 1931 to James and Mabel (Aunkohau) Tsoodle in Mountain View, OK. Vernon was a member of the Kiowa Tribe. He was a student at Chilocco Indian Agricultural School in 1946. Most notably, he played football, was a member of the Letterman's Club, and Choir. In 1947, he enlisted with the 45th Infantry Division of the Oklahoma National Guard. At the time of his discharge from the Oklahoma National Guard, Vernon had attained the rank of Corporal. Jimmie Leah Reese and Vernon, Chilocco schoolmates, were married in April 19, 1949 in Vernon, TX. In September 1949, Vernon enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was sent to the Marine Corps Training Depot in San Diego, CA. In June 1950, he was deployed to Korea with the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade where he participated in the defense of Korea during the "Pusan Parameter" phase of the war. The Division then advanced north to the Hungnam/Hamhung North Korea area and then to the "CHOSIN" Reservoir area where the famous battle of "Chosin" pitted 15,000 Marines against seven Chinese divisions consisting of 120,000 men. Vernon knows, from first hand experience, that there is no truer statement as "The key to success in battle is communications" MGySgt Tsoodle was in the field of communications during his time in the Marine Corps. He served as Cryptographer Clerk at various Marine Corps Bases including the American Embassy, Tokyo, Japan in 1960. Remaining in the communication field, he was assigned to attend training to become an Operational Communications Chief. While stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, he was ordered to Viet Nam where he served from 1966-1967 as CommChief for an Artillery Battery and was later transferred to the Third Marine Amphibious Force Headquarters in Danang, Viet Nam. After returning to the states, he was again ordered back to Viet Nam and served from 1969-1970. Master Gunnery Sergeant Tsoodle completed his service with the Inspector Instructor Staff at Houston, TX. After his military career, Vernon worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Anadarko Area Office, Oklahoma, until his retirement. One of the saddest duties of his career was in 1980 when he was tasked to close Chilocco Indian School, by disposing the personal, fixed property and completing the transfer of the school. Vernon and Jimmie Leah celebrated their 62th anniversary in April 2011. Truly a military family, many of their children and grandchildren serve or have served the armed forces. Vernon Jr. and Rodney served in the USMC; Linda Suzette retired from the Navy; Nancy Gail is a civilian employee for the Coast Guard. They also have numerous grandchildren and great-children, four grandchildren that have served or are serving in the Marine Corps and Army. Their grandson Dakota currently serves in the Army as a Green Beret. MGySgt Tsoodle was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in 2007. He is also featured in the National Geographic book, Warriors In Uniform and his story can be found in the Korean War chapter. In 2009, Vernon was inducted into the Chilocco Indian Agricultural School Hall of Fame.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Jimmie Leah (Reese) Tsoodle,Webster, TX
one son, Rodney Tsoodle and wife, Lori, Oklahoma City, OK
three daughters, Candace Karan Bartee and husband, Bill , Bethany, OK
Linda Suzette Meyer and husband, Dave, Fallon, NV
Nancy Gail Tsoodle, League City, TX
numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren
one sister, Alfreda Claus and husband, Thomas "Sonny", Phoenix, AZ

He is preceded in death by his parents, son, Vernon Tsoodle, Jr., three sisters, Lorraine Moore, Mildred Hamilton and Carol Bear, four brothers, Fred Tsoodle, Hawley Tsoodle, Brennan Tsoodle and Leo Tsoodle.

Wake service: 7:00p.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Funeral Service: 10:00a.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Both services will be held at Rainy Mountain Kiowa Indian Baptist Church, Mountain View, OK.
Burial will be at Rainy Mountain Tribal Cemetery, Mountain View, OK

Under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Carnegie, OK

You may send online condolences to the family at RayAndMarthas.com