In Memory of

Ronald

Dean

Holderness

Obituary for Ronald Dean Holderness

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2017 in the Memorial Chapel of Michael’s Funeral Home – Drumright. Rev. Stephanie Stephens of the Drumright First United Methodist Church will officiate. Committal and interment services will be held at a later date in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Military Funeral Honors will be provided by the United States Air Force. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of Michael’s Funeral Home of Drumright. Online condolences may be made at WWW.MICHAELSFUNERALSERVICES.COM

Ronald Dean Holderness was born July 3, 1939, in St. Louis, MO to Marjorie Mae Holderness and Eugene John Magee. His maternal grandparents Harry & Ailene Holderness later adopted him. Ron participated in ROTC in high school and joined the Air Force after graduation in 1958. He served in South Korea the last 13 months of his enlistment. After his discharge he moved to Drumright, OK where he met and married Carol Munson Wiley; they had one daughter, Deborah.

Ron moved to Fairfax, OK and was police chief there for 1 year before moving to Tulsa. He worked for Tulsa Public Schools for 16 years installing and monitoring fire & security alarms. This required him to work closely with the Tulsa Police Department who, in 1991, nominated him for Tulsa Citizen of the Year.

On Dec 7, 1996, Ron & Arnollene Collyar were married in Broken Arrow, OK and made their home there. After his retirement he became an avid gardener. Ron was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, a 32nd degree member of the Masonic Lodge and also a member of the Shriners.

Ron passed away on April 2, 2017, in Claremore, OK at the age of 77. In addition to his wife Arnollene, he is survived by daughter: Deborah & Ron Norton; granddaughter: Dawn & Gordon Dunham, & their son: Bryant & grandson: Austin Norton; stepdaughters: Rhonda & Roger Owings; Regina & Larry Yauger; & their children and grandchildren. One sister: Marla & Guy Dufrene; and one aunt: Mickey Edgar; & numerous other relatives & friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters.