Ronald was born in Vinita, Oklahoma, but his family soon moved to a small rural farm. Graduating from high school in Bluejacket, he wanted more education. With the support of his parents, he graduated from Miami business school and took a bus on Route 66 to Tulsa. He worked for two years before being drafted into the U.S. Army. During the Korean Conflict, he was assigned to the Army’s aerial observation site on the Panama Canal. A bigger world had opened up.

Ron returned to Tulsa to attend Tulsa University’s evening division on the GI Bill while working full time at The First National Bank of Tulsa. He met his wife, Violet, and they became parents of Chris, Bryan and Amy. His primary goal for his children was higher education. Married to Violet in 1958 at The First Baptist Church of Tulsa, Ron taught first grade Sunday School for 28 years. He believed in community service, was active in the Optimist Club and served on Booker T. Washington HS’s AFS Committee.

For 28 years, as a mortgage officer, he enjoyed helping home buyers, but when that role changed due to a buyout, Ron and Violet took charge of their life. Their children were supportive of their parents selling their Tulsa home and hitting the road with a van full of camping equipment and no itinerary nor alarm clocks.

Former Tulsa Mohawk Zoo Director Dave Zucconi led Ron on his first Grand Canyon five-day hike which was such a unique thrill that he went on two more hikes with Dave on other Canyon trails. Another Zoo connection were Saturday morning workshops to study about the Four Corners prehistoric ruins. For several years, a week of group camping and hikes of exploration and learning followed.

From Savannah, Georgia, to Yellowstone National Park, from Maine to Alaska, and by working a three-month contract at Grand Canyon, Ron and Violet explored the nation’s

beauty and national parks. They transited the Panama Canal where Ron had served, toured Costa Rica, traveled to England and made many trips into Mexico. In 1993, they began a new chapter in their lives when they settled in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where a community welcomed them and where they began a new life as full-time volunteers. They spent a dozen years working with the Border Book Festival during March’s spring break. During those years they met many well-known writers and began friendships with other volunteers. The Festival director, a published author, held a writing workshop which Ron and his wife attended. That workshop brought out Ron’s writing ability.

Drawing and sketching since he could hold a pencil, Ronald continued his lifelong art in Las Cruces and led workshops in gourd art at the Senior Center. An exhibit of some of his own art was shown at Las Cruces’ City Hall. He used pencil, watercolor, oils, and pastels, and at 93 began a new process with watercolor pens called “Zentangles”. He sent birthday and anniversary cards in that process to many of his friends.

Ronald had a long life full of art, learning, travel, a loving family, many relatives and friends. He is survived by his wife Violet and children, Chris Cauthon, Tulsa, Amy Cauthon, Tulsa, Bryan Cauthon and his wife Kelly, Lawton, and their three children: Zachary, his wife Shawna, Sean, and Jessica. He loved his three grandchildren who always brought him joy. Ron died peacefully at home on February 28, 2026. A memorial event is planned for a later date.

Ninde Funeral & Cremation | (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com