Vernon Leroy was born on May 2, 1946, in Haynes, Oklahoma, to Ernest Johnson and Rosa Lee Casey-Johnson. He was the eighth of eleven children. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong spirit, a loving heart, and a personality that could brighten any room.

He received his early education in Okay and Gibson Station schools and graduated in 1963 from Carter G. Woodson High School in Tullahasse, Oklahoma. After high school, Vernon joined the U.S. Army, where he proudly served for two years.

Vernon later married Dianne, and to this union one son was born, Brian Johnson Sr. The family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Vernon worked at Hallmark for many years. He later returned to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he welcomed two more sons, Roderick and Vernon Jr. Vernon also developed his own style of entrepreneurship and had a special talent for making a gourmet meal out of whatever was in the pantry. In recent years, Vernon met and married Anastazia. Throughout his life, he was known for his wit, humor, resilience, and unmistakable sense of style, which earned him the nickname Koolaid".

Vernon enjoyed cooking and gardening "errthang"—especially growing peas and watermelons. His interests included frying fish, listening to good music and attending family reunions and gatherings. He deeply loved his grandchildren and had a unique way of bringing people together and leaving lasting impressions on everyone he encountered.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Jack, Clarence, Houston and Raymond and three sisters, Elizabeth, Irene and Ernestine.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Anastazia; his children, Brian, Roderick, and Vernon Jr.; and his cherished grandchildren: (Brian Sr.) Addison, Anessa, Abree, Brian Jr., Kashus, and Kross; (Roderick) Messiah; and (Vernon Jr.) Mekhi, Major, and Kylee.

He is also survived by his siblings, Albert Johnson, Alberta Sells, Calvin Jones (Charlotte), and Kenneth (Gloria); his extended siblings, Peggy (Edward), Tirza Murray aka Terri, Billy Youngblood, and Ollie Youngblood; along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, loved ones, and dear friends.

He will be deeply missed yet forever remembered in the hearts of all who loved him.

A Home Going Service is scheduled, Saturday, April 4, 2026, 11:00 a.m. Timothy Baptist Church, 5530 W. Okmulgee Ave., Muskogee, OK; with Rev. Steven Nunley delivering the eulogy.  Interment will be Monday, April 6, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK.  Ft Sill Honors team will perform honors.

Visitation will be Friday, April 3, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at House of Winn-Muskogee

The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Muskogee