Ron Engelking

Ronald E. Engelking was born on January 1, 1947, to Herman George Engelking and Sophia Marquerite (Edwards) Engelking. He was born at home in Newkirk, Oklahoma, later being transported to the hospital in Ponca City.  January 30, 2025, Ron was surrounded by his family and peacefully left this temporary home to join his Lord and Savior and begin his eternal life. Ron was 78 years old.

Herman and Sophia had 8 sons and 1 daughter. Ron was Sophia’s last child, and he was surrounded by strong brothers and a doting sister since all of them were much older than him. Life on a tenant farm was not easy, and Ron learned the ins and outs of farming from an early age. His constant companion in his early years was his beloved dog, Nip. Nip was loyal to Ron’s mother and was fed a special treat when he got Ron safely home to his mother, after she would call for him to come in.

Ron attended the consolidated 106 school, a 2-room schoolhouse, from kindergarten to 8th grade. He shared many wonderful stories about his years in this country school. He had great respect for his two teachers who prepared him to move on to high school in Newkirk. He also made lifelong friends with the boys and girls who attended the 106 school with him throughout the years. Ron completed his education at Newkirk High School where he excelled academically, in sports, and in 4H. While in high school, Ron met and dated the young woman who would later become his wife, JoAlice (Jodee) Heydenburk.

Ron left Newkirk after graduation and moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma to attend college at Oklahoma State University. In 1968, Ron completed an associate degree in Electronics Technology. He continued his studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Technical Education in 1969. While attending OSU, Ron married Jodee Heydenburk on September 1, 1968. They had two children together: daughter, Julie and son, Jon.

Ron and Jodee moved from Stillwater to McKinney, Texas where they lived for a short time while he worked at Collins Radio. Ron went on to work at a variety of jobs in technical training. During these busy years Ron traveled the world for his job and raised his family in Plano, Texas. Ron and Jodee were active members of First Christian Church, Plano where they made many life-long friends. Jodee was diagnosed with and fought a valiant fight with cancer, passing away in October of 1989.

With a little help from his minister at FCC Plano, Ron met a church member and singles Sunday school teacher, Linda Pate, also a widow. They would marry on July 11, 1992. Ron helped Linda raise her 2 young daughters, Meredith and Megan. Throughout the 32 years of Ron and Linda’s marriage, they witnessed the marriage of each of their children and celebrated the birth of 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Ron retired from Nortel, only to continue working as a Campus Technology Assistant (CTA) for Plano I.S.D. at Murphy Middle School and Williams High School.

Ron and Linda were blessed to travel throughout the world with good friends. Ron also enjoyed weekly golf outings at Pecan Hollow Golf Course and many other courses with his golfing buddies. Ron loved the outdoors. He fished and hunted with his Son, Son-in-law, and Oklahoma nephews. He lived a full life up until he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2023. Ron fought the good fight and remained strong in his faith until succumbing to the ravage of cancer.

Ron is survived by his wife Linda Engelking: brother Charles Engelking, daughter Julie Nicholson and husband Ken, son, Jon Engelking and wife Jill, stepdaughter Meredith Sather and husband, Aaron, and his stepdaughter Megan Livengood and husband, Bryan. As well as his 9 grandchildren – Kyle Nicholson, Jolie Nicholson Booth, Kendra Nicholson Wesley, Madalyn Engelking, Sophia Engelking, Eleanor Sather, Larkin Sather, Emily Livengood, and Alyson Livengood – and his 7 great grandchildren. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and 7 of his siblings: George, Jack, Frank, Bob, Lloyd, Mary Dawn, and Rae; and his first wife, Jodee.

The family will receive friends for a visitation from 6-8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

There will be a funeral to celebrate Ron’s life at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025, with Dr. Scott Fenton officiating at Allen Family Funeral Options.  If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/109325

Ron will be laid to rest at Ridgeview Memorial Park, Allen, Texas.

If desired, donations in lieu of flowers are requested to be sent to Meadows Baptist Church in Plano, Texas (In honor of Ron Engelking) where he was a member prior to his passing. https://www.meadowsbaptist.org/give OR Meadows Baptist Church, 3001 Los Rios Blvd., Plano, Texas 75074