Ronnie Dean Harper

Ronnie was born March 2nd, 1938 in Ada, Oklahoma. During his early years, he lived in Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico until settling in Atoka in 1953. Ronnie joined the Oklahoma 45th Infantry Division in 1955 and served for 12 years. He graduated from Atoka High School in 1956 and married Carolyn Ruth Allen in 1957, while attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree and later, his Master of Education. He started teaching and coaching in 1960. He started at Harmony Public School, followed by Mamie Johnson in Atoka, while also serving as the President of the Atoka County Teacher's Association. Ronnie was ordained as a Deacon at Harmony Baptist Church in 1967 where he remained active until his passing. In 1969, he became the Executive Vice President of First National Bank in Atoka and bank President in 1970. He also served as President of the Rotary Club and the Atoka Chamber of Commerce. Ronnie was also President of the Atoka County Fair Board for 10 years. As a longtime rancher in Atoka County, he was given the opportunity to become President of the Kiamichi Production Credit Association, where he was focused on agriculture loans. After 10 years, he went into a completely different field and worked for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. He worked there for 14 years as Wardens Assistant at McLeod Correctional Center before retiring in 1998. His later years in life were spent following his grandkids and great grandkids around to their sporting events and livestock shows. He loved being active in church activities and serving those at Celebrate Recovery.
Ronnie is survived by his daughter, Patricia Bellows and husband Kevin of Atoka, OK; grandchildren, Katrina Lewis and husband Ben of Byng, OK, Sam Bellows and wife Kelsey of Atoka, Ok, Sabrina Gaines and husband Keith of Ada, OK, Dustin Wallis of Ada, OK, Rebekah Brewster and husband Marty of Atoka, OK, Jesse Harper and wife Kaylee of Atoka, OK; 12 great grandchildren; daughter in love, Danelle DeWitt; special friend, JoAnn Gabbart; sisters, EddyAnn Rounsaville of Norman, OK, Pat McGarry of Boston, MA; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear and loved friend.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Ruth Harper; parents, Edgar and Alice Victoria (Taylor) Harper; son, Ron Harper II; in laws, Carl and Edith Allen; brothers in law, Glo Rounsaville, John McGarry.
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DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Thursday, April 24th, 2025
PLACE OF SERVICES: Harmony Baptist Church, Harmony, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Bro. Jay Willoughby
INTERMENT: Green Meadows Cemetery, Atoka, Oklahoma
CASKETBEARERS: Matt Lane, Roger Holley, Eric Hunt, Sammie Rodriguez, Keith Smith, Lynn Wallis, Randy Workman, Rick Boyett
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Harmony Baptist Church Deacons, Celebrate Recovery Forever Family
CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE
VISITATION IS WEDNESDAY 6-8PM
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS PLEASE MAKE DONATIONS TO
ATOKA CELEBRATE RECOVERY
ACCOUNT IS SET UP AT AMERISTATE BANK
SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK