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Vern McGrew Obituary

Vern Vorhees McGrew, Jr. passed away surrounded by his devoted and loving family at Methodist Hospital on January 9, 2012.
Vern was born in Big Spring, Texas on December 7, 1929 to Katie Martin and Vern V. McGrew. Vern, Sr. was an early pioneer in the oil field supply business having come to Texas in 1912 with the Oilwell Supply Company. After Vern Sr. followed the oil booms, the family settled in Houston in 1935. Vern attended Houston public schools and graduated from Lamar High School. In 1946, while at Lamar he lettered in basketball and set the Texas Relay and State Record in high jump. Vern often said that he did not realize his grades were good enough to go to Rice University until shortly after the State Track Meet. He lettered four years at Rice, twice winning the Southwest Conference Meet. In 1948, he won the tryouts for the U.S. Olympic team and thus qualified to participate in the Olympic Games held in London. At eighteen, Vern was the second youngest on the team. He was the first track and field Olympian that had graduated from a Houston high school as well as the second Olympian from Rice. Vern was named All American in 1950 after winning the National Collegiate Title.
After graduating from Rice, Vern attended graduate school at the University of Texas and was elected Worthy Master of his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. Later, after two years of military service, he graduated from University of Texas Law School in 1956. While at Texas he met his future bride, Martha Ann Hamblen, daughter of James "Jake" Hamblen, a renowned Texas Aggie and her mother, Lillie Marie Perlitz Hamblen. Vern and Martha were married at Sacred Heart Cathedral in 1953. After law school, Vern joined the Humble Oil and Refining Company, now known as Exxon. Vern's work took him and his family to Alaska and California before returning to Austin as Exxon's chief lobbyist. After thirty years, he took early retirement and concentrated on hunting, fishing and enjoying his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Vern is predeceased by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Martha Ann Hamblen McGrew, and his son, William Martin McGrew. He is survived by his son, John James McGrew and his wife, Emilia Rusu of Anchorage; daughter Linda McGrew Stevens and her husband, Scott Stevens of Houston; and daughter-in-law Cheryl McGrew of Minneapolis. He enjoyed a special and unique relationship with each of his grandchildren; Stephanie and husband Mark Renn, Katherine McGrew, Mark Stevens, Daniel McGrew, and Jake, Victor and Gema McGrew. He delighted in visiting with his two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Mallorie Renn. Joan Shrader of Baird is his dear cousin. Tetta Johnson is also a loving member of the McGrew family having cared for the family for over fifty-years.
Vern wished to recognize the fondest of memories with the former partners of the Double Eagle Ranch, the Double Eagle Club and the members of the Friday Club that meets on Wednesday, as well as, his dear friends Dale Cheeseman, Bob Cummins, George Glauser, Bubba Pfeffer, Dana Richardson, Gilbert Sevier, Lorenzo Taylor, and DeWitt Waltmon. Vern spent his last year at the Forum and would like to express his thanks for the community's care and kindness.
The family will gather for a private memorial service this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Vern's name may be directed to Rice University, Office of Development - MS-80, Attn: Athletic Department, PO Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251-1892.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle from Jan. 12 to Jan. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Louise Perlitz

January 19, 2012

Dear Linda, I was so sad to hear that your father had died. I have been out of town and did not know until today. Vern and I kept up a little after Martha Ann and Jerry died and I knew he was not well. I am thinking of you and your family at this time. Much love, Louise Perlitz

Jon Warren

January 18, 2012

To the McGrew Family,

I hope I can speak for the entire Rice Track and Field program and, I hope can speak for my fellow Rice track alums, when I say how sorry we are to hear about the passing of Vern McGrew. There have been many talented athletes at Rice over the last 100 years, but very few that could equal or surpass the exploits of Vern. His event was the High Jump and his dominance of both the Southwest Conference and the NCAA is one that legends are made of.

He was one of Rice's first Olympians, a feat that we at Rice still promote in our media guides and in fact books today.

I am happy to say that Vern's name will live on at the Rice Track and Field complex as the High Jump Area has long been the "The Vern McGrew" High Jump.

Vern McGrew was one of the great ones. Our deepest sympathy to you all.

Sincerely,
Jon Warren, Head Coach, Men's Track & Field, Rice University

January 12, 2012

Dear Linda, I am sorry to learn of the loss of your father. Janet has kept us advised on him these last few months, and I know you did everything to see that his life was comfortable.
My love and sympathy to you and all your family.
Sincerely,
Bernadette Foley
Galveston, Texas

Stacy Garcia

January 12, 2012

Linda, Scott & Family,

I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, but you have to remember he is not sufferening or in any pain. He is in a better place and now with your mom. You will always have great memories, which will keep him with you forever.

Sincerely,
Stacy Garcia & Family

Mark Stevens

January 12, 2012

Since we wont be having a Memorial service until this summer I have decided to eulogize you here now.

I'm heartbroken to think that two of the most influential people in my life are now gone. You and Marmie helped shape the man I have become. I thank you for everything you have done for me. The list is too long to write here. I'm thankful that i wrote you that letter after we lost Marmie.. It was touching to still find a copy of it in your desk drawer a few weeks ago.  I meant every word in it. You have pushed me to follow my passion in real estate and I promise I will follow through with your wish. I will get it done this year. You will never know how much I appreciated you extending me the "townhouse project." It has been a true test and trust me there will be many more projects to come.  I am devastated that you won't be able to see the finished product. I hope I make you proud. You gave me lemons and I have made a hell of a batch of lemonade. You won't be disappointed. You have been an amazing grandfather, pal, and business partner. Until we are all sitting around the dining table again I raise my scotch and toast to all the memories we have shared together. Please give Marmie a hug and kiss for me. I love you! Mark

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