Ronald Lee Statham was born on September 24, 1944, in Sand Springs, Oklahoma to parents Edward Vester Statham and Thelma (Vallion) Statham. He grew up in Bokoshe, Oklahoma with siblings Harold “Junior” Statham and Louise Maxwell. His spirit left to shake hands with Jesus on October 12, 2025. He was 81 years and 19 days old.

He graduated from Bokoshe High School. He worked as a car salesman, for Zink Corp., Underwood Engineering, and Mazzio’s Corp. before retiring in 2012.

Ronald met his “wife to be” on December 23, 1988, and they married on December 23, 1989; they were married for almost 36 years. Together they shared the kind of love that wasn’t showy or loud, but steady and sure like a tractor that never quits, even after years of hard times.

He enjoyed his tractors, horses and buggies, cattle, and working around the farm and on equipment. He and his wife loved bailing hay together on friends and neighbors’ pastures. Ron would do anything to help a friend, even by helping a friend of a friend. That was just who he was.

Ronald was loved dearly by so many friends. He kept in close contact with classmates and people that he worked with. Everyone will miss him and will see him again in Heaven. God’s speed.

And although his tractor may now rest and the fields he worked may grow quiet, the legacy of his hands, heart, and spirit will never fade. Men like Ron don’t leave memories, they leave examples.