Dr. Virgil Lee Ackerson

Dr. Virgil Lee Ackerson passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, surrounded by family. Virgil was born on August 11, 1942, and grew up in Blackwell, OK. He graduated from Blackwell High School in 1960, Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) with an Associate’s degree in 1962, and Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s degree in 1964, a Master’s degree in 1967, and a Doctorate in 1970. He taught Algebra and Earth Science at NOC and served as the Math and Science Department Chair for over 30 years.

Virgil was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Ann (Savage) Ackerson, and parents, Floyd and Grace (Fraiser) Ackerson. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie (Douglas) Ackerson; children, Sean and wife Amy, and grandchildren Garrett and Brendan Ackerson of Kansas City, MO; Scott Ackerson and partner Alfredo Carranza of Washington, DC; sister, Vicki Potts and husband Bob of Austin, TX; and numerous other close family members and friends.

He was an exceptional athlete, excelling in pitching and playing point guard in high school and college and continuing to play softball for decades. He was also recognized as an outstanding athlete at NOC, receiving the Maverick Award for conduct, sportsmanship, character, and academics. Besides, he briefly played semi-pro baseball, served as the regional and state director for the Oklahoma Softball Association, and was inducted into the Oklahoma and National Softball Hall of Fame.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church of Tonkawa. Attendees are invited to wear something orange in honor of his love of OSU. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the NOC Foundation in honor/memory of Dr. Virgil Ackerson at www.NOC.edu/development/foundation/give-online or mailed to Northern Oklahoma College Foundation, PO Box 310, Tonkawa, OK 74653. More details can be found at www.robertsandsonfh.com.