Verne Royce Belknap

Verne Royce Belknap was born in Perryton, Texas on July 7, 1938, to Herbert Otto Belknap and Bessie Fae Waggoner. He passed away on September 7, 2026, at Bradford Village Assisted Living Facility in Edmond surrounded by his wife and family.

He and Wilomae Florence Owens were married in Bethany on July 27, 1968. From this union they were blessed with two sons: Jim and Dean.

Verne was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He served in the US Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Tech and Aircraft Mechanic from 1959 to 1964. He attended Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Oklahoma. He earned both his undergraduate degree and master’s degree in the Social Sciences and spent more than thirty years working as a social worker serving the people of Oklahoma through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Upon retiring in the early 1990s, Verne and Wilo owned and operated the Canton Motel and Lake Cabins for several years. Above all else, he enjoyed time with his wife, children, and grandchildren— sharing stories that reflected his steady character.

Among his favorite pastimes were traveling through Colorado’s mountains—taking in their beauty at every turn—and spending time outdoors caring for his yard. Verne found pride in growing things he could nurture himself: tending flowers or vegetables when they were ready to bloom season after season; mowing; maintaining his home; and keeping everything around him neat, well cared for, and welcoming. He also enjoyed fishing trips on Oklahoma lakes as well as boating adventures whenever he had the chance.

Verne’s legacy will live on through the family he loved so deeply and the communities he served as a life-long member of the Church of Christ. His quiet strength and determination to provide for those he loved remain a foundation built by him for generations to come.

Verne was preceded in death by his “adoptive” parents Almus and Ineta Tyson of Stillwater; brother Aubrey; sister Nita.

He is survived by his wife Wilomae Belknap; sons Jim Belknap (Maryanna) of Lexington, North Carolina; Dean Belknap (Camree) of Flower Mound, Texas; grandchildren Conner Belknap (Kenzie), Kailey Belknap, and Madeline Belknap.

Graveside services will be held Friday, September 11th at 10:00 a.m. at the Waterloo Cemetery in Edmond. Arrangements are by Matthews Funeral Home of Edmond.

Memorials may be made to North MacArthur Church of Christ in Oklahoma City or Tipton Children’s Home in Tipton.