Virgil Thomas Romine Jr.

Virgil Thomas Romine, Jr. – 93, of Idabel, Ok, passed away in his residence surrounded by family and friends on July 13, 2024. He was born September 1, 1930, in Winthrop, Ar, to Virgil Thomas, Sr. and Rosa Romine.

Virgil met his wife Patsy while they were still in high school and remained by her side as near as possible every day for 71 years. They married in 1953 and lived in Plainville, Ks where he worked in the oil field, though they dreamed of teaching together someday. Years later Patsy found a teaching job in Vanoss, Ok, so Virgil could attend East Central University in Ada. There he began to preach the gospel while driving on the weekends to the Church of Christ in Stonewall, Ok.

After completing his degree in Speech and Education, he became a deeply beloved and respected educator and counselor across the state. His wish was to continue preaching for small congregations who could not afford a full-time minister, which he did for over 60 years. He preached in the Church of Christ in Horatio, Ar, and in Valliant and Sasakwa, Ok. Virgil continued preaching for Lynn Lane in Idabel into his 90s. He was the annual speaker at dozens of gospel meetings. He spoke in too many congregations to count and more than can be imagined. His name was the only entry on countless people’s list of who could officiate their wedding and their funeral services. His unconditional love for others became what he was known for. People could not help but hear it in his voice, and it reverberates through generations of students and friends who, like family, he inspired to love.

When he had free time, Virgil always wanted to be outdoors, and he often walked a reported 20 or more miles in a day to quail hunt with his son Fred. He could still be found in a bass boat or a deer stand for as long as he was able to walk and a bit longer than that. He was remarkably sharp with an impressive memory and was known to quote scripture while he slept. He was especially quick with numbers and games, as anyone who ever played pitch or shook dominos with him can attest. They said he seemed to know what was in their hand better than they did. 

Virgil is survived by his wife Patsy Wright Romine, two grandsons Tyler Romine and Trey Romine and wife Haley, and great-granddaughter Isla Romine, as well as many close, extended family. He was preceded in death by his son Fred, a brother Dale, sisters Polly and Cora, as well as his mother and father. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at White Family Funeral Chapel.

Funeral Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Bypass Church of Christ in Idabel, Ok, with Tom Williams officiating. Burial to follow at the Horatio Cemetery in Horatio, Ar.

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