Ronald Edward Rosser

Ronald Edward Rosser, age 69, died February 6, 2005. Ron was well known in Oklahoma City as a businessman, real estate developer and community volunteer. Born in Kansas City, MO, August 31, 1935, to Doris Marian Cruff, he was adopted in infancy by Betty and Don Rosser, of Oklahoma City. He attended Wilson Grade School, then his family moved to St Louis, MO, where he graduated from Kirkwood High School. He attended Westminster College and graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Business. He joined Delta Tau Delta and ROTC. Following service as a Lt. in the US Army stationed in Germany, he returned to OKC with General American Life Insurance Co., where he met and married Laura Linda Kennedy and lived the remainder of his life. Ron is best known for his longtime support of the OKC Zoo. In May 2003, his service to the Zoo was recognized when the Trust and Society named the enlarged education center the Rosser Conservation Education Center. Appointed by Mayor Patience Latting in 1985, as a charter member of the Oklahoma Zoological Trust, he served 18 years: as Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Chair of Finance and Animal Committees. Ron was also President of the Oklahoma Zoological Society and was a Life Member since 1965, chairing and serving on numerous committees, fund raising efforts and construction projects, including Aquaticus, Zoo Lights (the first such project in the state), Dan Moran Aviary, and the first education center, the Rex Kennedy Rosser Education Center, named in memory of his son. He was the motivator in consolidating 420 acres leased by the Zoo to Remington Park Racetrack. Ron's most satisfying contribution to the Zoo was his role in passing the 1/8 cent sales tax, which secured the Zoo financially in perpetuity. To date, the tax has funded the Cat Forest and numerous other improvements. Ron was an avid birder and had a passion for travel, adventure, birding, and wildlife observation. Friendship Force took him on cultural exchanges to Ireland and Japan. United Methodist Volunteers in Mission sent him to work in Costa Rica and Israel. As a supporter and former board member for Skyline Urban Ministry, an agency of the United Methodist Church serving the inner city. Ron did a myriad of volunteer jobs, from serving meals to raising money. As recently as December he initiated a capital campaign for Skyline. For 7 years he tutored children at North Highlands School through his church's mission committee. Ron Rosser's most recognized real estate project is Coffee Creek Golf Course and residential development opened in Edmond in 1991. Since then, the partnership acquired River Oaks Golf Course and development. He owned and operated Texas Lawn Sprinkler Co. for 22 years. He developed 300 acres of 5-acre home sites, including Deer Creek Estates, Edmond. Other memberships included Nichols Hills United Methodist Church and the Kiva Sunday School Class, the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, and the Oklahoma City Audubon Society. Ron Rosser endeared himself to people of all ages with his wit, warmth, optimism, and zest for life. Ron was pre-deceased by his son Rex Kennedy Rosser, his parents Betty and Don Rosser and his birthmother Doris Cruff Madsen. He is survived by Linda, his wife of 44 years; son Richard Ron Rosser and wife Stacey, grandchildren Nicholas Rex Rosser and Alessandra Ponticeilo Rosser, Pacific Palisades, CA; brother Monte Madsen and wife Twila, North Platte, NE; niece Lisa Madsen Jones, nephews Gail Madsen and Gregg Madsen, and their families. Ron also was very close to Linda's family: E. Lee Kennedy, Sleepy Hollow, NY, and family; Anne and Richard Hyde, Henry Gossett, Sally Gossett Barron, Yetta Gossett, and Goddaughter Lisa DeFelippo, and families. The family wishes to thank Dr. Russell Postier, and Dr. Howard Ozer, and the staff of OU Health Science Center, as well as Good Shepherd Hospice. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Nichols Hills United Methodist Church designated for either Missions or Skyline; or to the Ron and Linda Rosser Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, PO Box 1146, OKC, OK 73101. Services will be held at Nichols Hills United Methodist Church, 1212 Bedford Dr., OKC, 73116 on Thursday, February 10, 2005 at 2:00pm with interment to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park, Oklahoma City.