Ronald Dean Graham

Ronald Dean Graham was born on March 4, 1938, to Lloyd and Lucile Luster Graham in Enid, Oklahoma.  He attended Enid schools for his primary school education.  He then attended Oklahoma State University and Phillips University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in 1960.  He passed away after a long and fulfilling life in his home with his wife and daughter by his side on September 19, 2023.

Ron was a member of several groups while in school. He was involved with church activities, Boy Scouts and band. Ron enlisted in the National Guard after high school and was a member of the 45th Infantry Division. In college he belonged to the ROTC and continued to be in the 45th Infantry Division of the National Guard. He was active with the Playboy automobile club. He also belonged to multiple professional organizations.

While in school, Ron worked for JC Penney’s. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, he attained a job with Shell Oil Company.  He began his work for Shell in Elk City, Oklahoma and was frequently transferred as he gained experience.  Ron was sent to Oklahoma City, Denver, London, New York City, and then returned to Denver.  He then accepted a job with Colorado Interstate Gas and moved to Colorado Springs.  After a year, Ron was offered the position of Vice President of Gas Acquisitions for Mustang Fuel Company in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Ron worked for Mustang and later for OG&E until his retirement.

Ron met his future wife Margaret at Washington Avenue Bible Church in Enid, Oklahoma.  Their first date was on a Boy Scout hayrack ride.  Needless to say, Boy Scouts took a back seat to the courtship.  Their marriage ceremony was held at Washington Avenue Bible Church on August 26^th, 1958.  While they lived in Elk City, they welcomed their daughter Susan to the family.

Ron and Margaret enjoyed traveling.  It did not matter if it was by planes, trains or automobiiles  (or bus and cruise), they found the experience of visiting places to be great fun. His favorite destination was the Carribean in the winter months. 

Ron and Margaret moved to the Denver area in 2008 to be closer to their daughter.  Their history of frequent moves served them well as they made some wonderful friends in a short time.  Visiting with grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a favorite activity as was their weekly card games.  They were involved with several churches while living in Denver.  They last attended Trinity United Methodist Church until COVID raised its ugly head.  Unfortunately, Ron’s health went into a decline shortly after many COVID restrictions were lifted. 

Ron passed away on September 19^th, 2023.  He is pre-deceased by his mother and father as well as his son-in-law Rex, brother Nolan and sister-in-law Betty.  He is survived by his wife Margaret of the home and his daughter Susan Barton, grandsons James and Miriam Barton and Chris and Mandy Barton and 6 great-grandchildren.  He will also be missed by many other family members and friends.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the Wounded Warriors, St Jude’s Childrens Hospital, or a favorite charity.  A celebration of life conducted by Reverend Larry Baker will be held at Bonaventure Thornton located at 12281 Washington Center Parkway, Thornton, Colorado on October 21, 2023, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.