Ronald Howard DeArman's Obituary
Ronald “Ronny” Howard DeArman went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 24, 2023. Ronny was a prince of a man who never met a stranger. His devotion to his family and friends leaves a lasting legacy of love, joy, and good times.
Ronny was born on August 28, 1940 in Tyler, TX. He grew up in Texas City, TX, and was a proud member of the Texas City Stingarees basketball team, graduating from Texas City High School in 1958. After high school, Ronny attended Victoria Junior College and played basketball for the Pirates. Ronny transferred to North Texas State University and completed his education there in 1963 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business – the first in his family to graduate from college. While there, he was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order – he was fond of explaining, “You see, it’s an order, not a fraternity”.
Upon graduation, Ronny enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served our country for 4 years in the reserves, and he was called to active duty during the Pueblo incident in 1968. He was stationed at Scott Air Force Base and often joked he was tasked with defending St. Louis from the North Vietnamese Regular Army.
Ronny was hired out of college by Panther Chemical in Ft. Worth and worked for them for 2 years. Ronny accepted a position as a sales representative with Eveready Batteries in 1965. In 1969 he was assigned the territory of Albuquerque, NM. God’s hand set him on a path that would lead him to a beautiful relationship for over 50 years. While in Albuquerque, Ronny was introduced to Carole Crawford, who would become his loving and devoted wife. Carole remembers that she knew Ronny was “the one” because he was the first man she brought to the house that her dad, Don Crawford, would speak to. Ronny asked for Carole’s hand, and they were married on February 27, 1971.
Carole led Ronny to Christ, and he was baptized shortly before marriage. Shortly after marriage, Ronny and Carole relocated to Oklahoma City, where they lived for the next five years and had two sons, Wade and Chad. Ronny and Carole moved to Richardson, TX in 1976. Ronny’s list of accomplishments with Eveready Batteries over a 31-year career is inspiring, but
the greatest are the friendships that he forged with co-workers and customers and the lives he impacted.
Ronny and Carole were faithful members of Prestoncrest Church of Christ for 40+ years. Ronny served as a deacon and ran the sound board for several years. They led classes for young adults and were members of the Pacesetters class. Ronny’s faith was also evident in his giving nature. He selflessly gave his time and energy to coaching youth sports – soccer and basketball. He also worked with Carole to support Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home – a foundation co-founded by Carole’s father.
Ronny is preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Doris “Da” (Williams) Chandler, and his uncle, Derrest Williams. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carole C. DeArman, and son, Chad DeArman, and son and family - Wade DeArman and wife, Sheridan DeArman, and daughters, Avery and McKinley (who affectionately called him Buddy). Also, his cousins, Vicki Williams, Dee Williams (Kathy), Jo Lynn Tagle (Martin), and Kelly Williams (Thomas Mann).
Ronny’s family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers during this time. In lieu of flowers or cards, we respectfully request that family and friends consider donations in memoriam to:
Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home
5700 Winter Haven Dr NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
505-898-5520 Contact Us - Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home (acch4kids.org
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