Ronald Dean Hammons

Ronald Dean Hammons, 81, of Noble passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2024. He was born October 9, 1942, in Muskogee, OK to John Monroe and Fern Dove (McGowan) Hammons. Nicknamed Ronny, RD and Ron, he grew up in Hulbert, Vinita and Miami, OK, graduating from Miami High School in 1960. He completed his college degrees at NEO in Miami and OU with a degree in History.

Ronald married the love of his life Donna Sue Whitwell on July 14, 1963 in Miami. After college, he became a pilot with the United States Air Force. He served in the Vietnam War, flying tankers and fighter jets. Ron then joined the Air Force Reserves as a reserve pilot and air technician reservist, serving at Tinker, Travis, Hill, and Carswell Air Force Bases. He was a founding member of the 507th Fighter Group at Tinker. After retiring from the military as a major, Ron then taught middle school and high school social studies and geography.

Ronald was a longtime, faithful member of First Baptist Church Norman and loved teaching Sunday School. He loved watching his grandchildren’s activities and sports and was very proud to be their grandpa. He was tenderhearted towards animals, enjoyed bird watching and feeding wildlife that came up in his backyard. He loved to fish. He was a lifelong learner, reading widely and attending many classes at the OU College of Continuing Education. He was a proud tribal member of the Cherokee Nation. He enjoyed being in contact with retired pilot friends as well as friends from his childhood.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Donna Sue; his daughters, Dedra (Philip) Redwine, and J. Kythe Walkswithwind (Bernta); his granddaughters, Hayley (Lucas) Goodspeed and Brooke Redwine, his grandson, Trace Redwine; his sister, Diane Hammons; his brother-in-law, Tom (Sara) Whitwell; his nephews, Trevor (Donnell) Hammons and children, and Jordan Blalock; his niece Jessica (Brandon) Loecker, as well as cousins, lifelong friends, and retired military buddies.

Memorials may be made in memory of Ronald to Wildcare Oklahoma of Noble or First Baptist Church Norman’s Benevolent Fund.

Services for Ronald will be 11:00am Monday June 17, 2024 at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.