Ralph Vernon Enlow

Ralph Vernon Enlow, Jr. died peacefully on May 7, 2013. He was born December 2, 1932 to Ralph and Erma Enlow in Oklahoma City. Vernon attended Taft Jr. High and graduated from Classen High School, class of '51. He received a BA in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Oklahoma. He was an ROTC cadet and served two years in the Army at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He later received his Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from North Texas State University and followed that with a Ph.D. in Psychology from Texas Tech University. Vernon became the Director of Bethany Guidance Center and was a Staff Psychologist at the Oklahoma City Clinic before starting a successful private practice, spanning the next 30 years. Vernon served as President of the Oklahoma Mental Health Association for two terms, receiving the 2001 Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the Oklahoma Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Service in the Public Interest. He was given this award for his efforts in establishing disaster mental health training in Oklahoma. He became the Coordinator of Mental Health Red Cross Disaster Response Training and was a 20 year volunteer with the American Red Cross. Vernon spent many years doing psychological consulting with nursing schools, hospitals, and school systems and spent countless hours counseling cancer patients and their families. Vernon loved teaching and coaching parenting skills and is fondly remembered for his helpful workshops at The Worry Clinic at St. Luke's Methodist Church. Vernon's creative and artistic nature was as pronounced as his intellectual side. He brought joy to many with his broad outlook on life and leaves behind a legacy of artwork for all to enjoy. Somewhat quiet, Vernon expressed himself best through his cooking, his painting, pottery work, and his gift of sculpting. His love of painting and sculpting was a constant throughout his life and he was happiest when he was in his art studio. Vernon is preceded in death by his parents and his aunt, Hope Griffee; and his adopted daughter, Anita Thomas and husband, Barry. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Ellie Lottinville, who was also his business partner. In addition, he leaves behind his step-children, Kelli M. Fondren of Houston, TX, and Michael D. Jones and wife, Lory of Edmond, OK. His grandchildren include Lindsey Fondren, Chase and wife, Keni Fondren, and Ryan Fondren all of Houston, TX, Micheal and husband, Quint Anderson, Taylor Jones and Miles Jones all of Edmond, OK, Lacey and husband Michael Turner of Shawnee, OK, and Blake and wife, Carrie Thomas of Chicago, IL; as well as two great grandchildren. He is also survived by cousins, Delores Garver, of Oklahoma City, and Dallene & husband, Willis Roberts of Owasso, OK and his uncle Louis and Mary Lou Enlow of Washington State. A Celebration of Vernon's life will be held at 11am on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Mayflower Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Vernon's honor may be made to The Oklahoma Sculpture Society, 3612 NW 19 Street, OKC 73107, the American Red Cross, 601 NE 6th Street, OKC 73104, or Mayflower Congregational Church-Taft Art Program. The family wishes to thank the entire community of family and friends, including the incredible OU Football Watch Party Group, Touchmark at Coffee Creek Memory Care Unit, and also the compassionate care provided by Crossroads Hospice during Vernon's final days.