Ronald "Jayson" Risner

Ronald "Jayson" Risner, 54, of Cartwright, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Jayson was born on January 31, 1971, in McKinney, Texas, to Ronald Ray Risner and Willie Alyne Risner. He grew up in Anna, Texas, attending Anna High School, and went on to dedicate his career to public service, working for multiple cities throughout his life. At the time of his passing, he was proudly serving as the Water Utility Superintendent for the City of Sherman. Jayson had a deep passion for mentoring young men, teaching them the value of hard work, integrity, and being a good person - lessons he carried and shared throughout his life.
A natural builder and craftsman, Jayson found joy in creating with his hands. He followed in the footsteps of his father and Uncle Duck as a striper fishing guide on Lake Texoma, a family tradition he continued alongside his cousin, Donald Risner. Jayson's love for fishing was only matched by his love for music, playing drums, working on projects, and restoring old trucks. A skilled carpenter, he remarkably built his family's final home in just 3.5 months while bravely battling cancer.
On December 18, 1993, Jayson married the love of his life, Kristi, and together they shared 31 beautiful years of marriage. Their home was filled with faith and love, raising their family in Van Alstyne and worshiping at Greywood Heights Church of God. They later made The Refuge Church in Denison, Texas, their home church. Jayson's heart was especially tender toward young men who found themselves at life's crossroads - a place he himself once stood. He believed in second chances, in changed lives, and in building better futures for others.
Jayson is survived by his devoted wife, Kristi Risner; his children, Jayson Risner and wife Blanca of Temple, Texas, and Bailey Risner and wife Makenzi of Cartwright, Oklahoma; his beloved mother, Willie Risner of Mead, Oklahoma; his brother, Ray Risner and wife Trisha of Mead, Oklahoma; his mother-in-law and dear friend, Vicki Moody of Van Alstyne, Texas; brother-in-law Jimmy Holley and wife Brittney of Melissa, Texas; sister-in-law Katie Stinton and husband Zach of Melissa, Texas; and his cherished grandchildren: Rolando, Jason, Tyler, Cash, Isabella, Waverly, and Kayson. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Risner; his sister, Kimberly Blanton; his father-in-law, Jerry Moody; and father-in-law, Jim Holley.
Jayson will take his final fishing trip as his ashes are spread at Lake Texoma, the waters that brought him peace and joy throughout his life.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who came to celebrate Jayson at Love on Jay Day. It meant the world to him. He loved his friends and family deeply, and your presence, laughter, and love that day was just what he had been hanging on for. It was a beautiful reminder of the lives he touched, the bonds he built, and the love that surrounded him.
A celebration of Jayson's life will be held with services led by Pastors Larry Goodwin of The Refuge Church and their lifelong pastor, Chris Jones.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 23rd from 2:00PM to 3:00 PM at The Refuge Church in Denison. Memorial services will held at 3:00PM following the visitation.