Virgil Nason was born on April 3, 1942, in Elk City, Oklahoma, to Victor and Minnie Nason. Virgil passed from this life on March 5, 2023, in Mulvane, Kansas. He spent his last day surrounded by family celebrating his great-grandson’s 2nd birthday.
He was the younger brother to two sisters, Edna and Melba. Virgil was an accomplished athlete competing in football and baseball. He graduated from Sayre High School, in Sayre, Oklahoma, in 1960. He earned a scholarship to play football for The University of Tulsa. He later transferred to Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, and continued to play football. He graduated from SWOSU with a teaching degree in Physical Education and History.
While at SWOSU he met Deanna Brown, who later became his wife. He and Deanna were married for 57 years. Virgil served the Ensign community from 1966-1974 as a high school history teacher and coach. He also taught driver’s education in the summer
Virgil earned his Master’s Degree in Building Leadership in 1974, from SWOSU, and was named the Principal of Ensign schools from 1974-1984. He then became the Athletic Director and Assistant Principal for Cimarron High School until his retirement in 1998. He was a dedicated educator and coach for 33 years, serving the Ensign and Cimarron communities for 32 years. He was known as a caring, but strict disciplinarian who held high expectations for his students and players. He treated his students and players as he did his own children.
Virgil loved his family and friends, golfing, camping, the mountains, the OU Sooners, playing poker with his buddies, and telling “dad” jokes. He was a prankster to the very end.
Virgil is survived by his wife, Deanna, of the home; his children, Amy Dempsey and husband Ken of Mulvane, Kansas and Todd Nason and wife Sara of Manhattan, Kansas; four grandchildren, Connor Dempsey and wife Tiffany, Collin Dempsey, Mckenna Dempsey, and Anna Nason; and one great-grandson, Vincent Dempsey. He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
A celebration of life service is pending. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the charity of your choice in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel, 1901 Sixth Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.