Ronald L. Patterson's Obituary
RONALD L. PATTERSON
Birth: September 26, 1934, Shawnee, Oklahoma
Death: July 20, 2025, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Ron fulfilled several roles throughout his life. He was a devoted son, a trusted friend, a dedicated Marine, and a devoted husband. He was an intense young boy, less frivolous than his cohorts. As the only child of William (Pat) and Esther Patterson, Ron learned that life was to be taken seriously as outlined by the Scriptures. Gaga and Nana, as they were later known, epitomized the traditional Christian marriage.
Ron and Blair (Ruth Ann) Rawlins met when he was 12, and they married on July 8, 1954, as Ron left for combat as a Marine in the Korean War. Two daughters, Dana (born 1956) and Lori (born 1958), completed their family.
Ron and Betty (Brown) Patterson married in the early ’80s soon after he and Blair divorced. Betty died unexpectedly on November 23, 2002, in a single-car accident. Ron and Barbara (Bobi) (Burkhalter) Patterson married in July 2003. She preceded him in death in 2016 after an extended illness.
Ron finished graduate studies at The University of Tulsa, was an elder in the church, and a human resource director of industrial manufacturing companies. He was co-owner of a landscaping company for many years and loved horticulture. He enjoyed the view of the courtyard and gardens from his room at Franciscan Villa.
Ron moved to Country Oaks in 2017, an independent living community. He was always a welcome presence in their Bible studies, as his Biblical knowledge became known. As Ron’s health deteriorated and he could no longer live alone, he resided at Franciscan Villa. He was beloved by the staff and his private aides. Some affectionately called him “Papa” and “Uncle Ron,” and one stood at attention and saluted him each time he entered Ron’s room.
For several years, Ron delivered cookies, cupcakes, pies, and other desserts to 13 police and fire stations every Saturday morning. The first responders loved to see his Ford truck in their driveway and would come out to carry in the treats. One fire station gifted him with a mug with the Marine Corps insignia and his name. He used it every day for the rest of his life. Ron loved baseball, especially the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals, as well as football – the Dallas Cowboys were his favorite.
One overriding principle was constant in Ron’s life: his commitment to serve the God he loved. He never wavered. It cost him at times, but his faith remained steadfast.
Ron’s legacy includes Dana Patterson Free and Bob Free; Lori and Sam Walker; April (granddaughter) and Sean Arnold and their children, Codi and Dane (great grandchildren); Melvin Webster (grandson); and Roxanne (granddaughter) and Kevin Roark and their son, Luther (great grandson), and their bonus son Ian.
Ron’s family is grateful that he passed gently from this life, watching baseball in his recliner. Upon arrival in heaven, there is no doubt he immediately greeted his favorite cousin, Jerry Patterson, and they wandered off to fish and entertain each other.
Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Floral Haven Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 12:30 PM, on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Tulsa Christian Fellowship, 2121 E 3rd St, Tulsa, OK 74104, 918-587-2400, or
St Jude Children's Research Hospital and https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-lz-memorials.
If you are unable to attend Ronald's funeral service in person, you may view the service online by clicking on the link, https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/114507
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