Ronald “Ron/Ronnie” Dean Reed, born March 1, 1950 to J.N. and Louise Reed, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 2, 2026. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, his sisters Linda Childers and Wanda Sue Reed, and his brother Freddie “Beaver” Jay Reed.

Ron spent most of his life in Oklahoma, where he proudly served both his country and his community. He joined the National Guard in 1970 and dedicated three decades to the City of Tulsa Fire Department, retiring as a Captain in 2001. To Ron, being a firefighter wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. He loved the work, and the brotherhood he found there became family, a family he sometimes favored over the lively and dramatic house full of girls waiting for him at home. Above all else, Ron valued service.

During these years, Ron and his first wife raised three daughters, building a life rooted in faith, hard work, and a strong sense of fun. His daughters learned early that showing up, laughing often, and doing the right thing mattered.

Later in life, Ron married Denise Thompson, and together they made their home in Collinsville, Oklahoma. There, they enjoyed time together, time with family, and the quieter moments that come with knowing you’ve lived life well. Some of their favorite memories were made at the casino where they’d often meet family and friends.

Ron loved sports and competition—especially football, baseball, and wrestling—all of which he played during his school years. When his football playing days were behind him, he carried that same competitive spirit into officiating high school football and, later, playing fantasy football, where he spent decades in a league alongside many of his fellow firefighters. He took it seriously—wins mattered—but the camaraderie mattered more.

Ron is survived by his wife, Denise Reed, his daughters Elicia Bunch Turner (Daren), Julie DeHan (Steve), Ashley Miller (Mike), Kelly Tillery (Brian), and Kris James (Russ), and his grandchildren Emily, Ally, Avery, Peyton, Trenton, Brayden, Harmony, and Tyler, whom he loved beyond measure and was immensely proud of.

Come raise a toast to celebrate his life at the Tulsa Fire Museum at 1010 E. 8th Street in Tulsa on Thursday, April 16 at 3:30pm. Ron always preferred relaxed and comfortable, so please come as you are. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tulsa Fire Museum, Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp, or Lupus Research Alliance.