Vernon Oakerson

Vernon “Boone” Oakerson, 89, born June 4, 1936, to John and Letha (Hodson) Oakerson of Modoc, Indiana, passed away at his home on August 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He married his love, Sondra (Sonnie) Bales, on June 30, 1961, and they recently celebrated their 64th anniversary.

A lifelong resident of Randolph County, he was bestowed the nickname “Boone” at a young age and rarely heard his given name except from his mother or when he was in trouble with his wife.

Boone was a dedicated family man, treasuring his roles of son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He loved nothing more than spending time with family.

Growing up on the family farm, Boone learned the meaning of hard work from a young age, gleaning knowledge of farming, livestock, horses, machinery, and gardening from his parents. He told tales of milking cows and tending to livestock before school, and the chores that awaited when he came home. Boone carried that work ethic through his whole life, never shying from anything that needed to be done and never too proud for whatever was needed to provide for his family.

Boone graduated from Union High School in 1954, where he was a standout athlete in basketball, baseball and track. He chose not to accept an offer to play basketball in college because he did not want to take more English classes, but he continued his love of sports playing in an Independent Basketball League. He enjoyed sharing stories of the different gyms he visited and the teams they met, including The Redheads, The House of David, and The Magicians (pre-Harlem Globetrotters). He was proud to pass on his love of sports to his children.

Boone also grew a lifelong love for horses alongside his father. They took their draft teams from the field to pulling competitions at local fairs where they had much success, with Boone regaling that they once lost to a dead horse. In 1973, Boone was introduced to Trottingbreds, and weekends at Indiana fairs soon became a whole family affair. In 1987, Boone and his brother transitioned to Standardbreds. Boone and Sonnie soon decided to breed and raise their own foals, and the last 25 years passed with countless hours side-by-side in the barn.

Boone believed in honesty, honor, dedication and hard work. He also believed in laughter. He was quick-witted, playfully teased, and always had a quip or joke ready. Laughter was a big way he showed love.

Boone is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sonnie; his children: Marnetta Tucker, Anderson, IN, Darla (Doug) Shore, Modoc, IN, Donna Helfst (Ed Bosch Jr.), Independence, KY, Bret (Sheryl) Oakerson, Richmond, IN, Debbie (Peter) Hanney, Adelaide, SA; son-in-law, Bob Helfst, Dunkirk, IN; sister, Phyllis Cadwallader, and brother, Ron (Sherry) Oakerson; Sister-in-law, Martha (Larry) Griffin and sister-in-law, Naida Bales; eight grandchildren: Travis (Megan) Catron, Bob (Lilli) Helfst, Alexis (Aaron) Cross, Jordan (Emily) Helfst, Conner (Hannah) Shore, Spencer Shore (fiancé, Peyton Truver), Matthew Tucker, and Haley Tucker; ten great-grandchildren, and treasured nieces, nephews and cousins, and countless lifelong friends.

Boone was preceded in death by his parents, John and Letha Oakerson; in-laws, Claude and Eileen Bales; son-in-law, Stephen Tucker; brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Karen Oakerson; brother-in-law, Bob Cadwallader; sister-in-law, Louann Oakerson; brother-in-law, Bill Bales, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Keith and Janet Bales; granddaughter, Amanda Bunch; great-granddaughter, Clementine Helfst; nieces, Cindy Hendrickson and Sheryl Lips; and nephew, Richard Cadwallader.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Steve Conner officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Losantville. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be given to Standardbred Transition Alliance, P.O. Box 277, Laurelville, OH 43135, or Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214, or you may give to any charity of your choice. You may express condolences or share a memory of Boone at www.hinsey-brown.com.