Ronald "Ron/Ronnie" Dean Childress, 80, of Owasso, Oklahoma, was welcomed into Heaven on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Baptist Village in Owasso, Oklahoma. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, October 9, 2026, at Tyro Christian Church, with a private, family burial at Fairview Cemetery. In honor of his love for the KSU Wildcats, the family asks that those who attend the service wear K-State attire or purple.
Those unable to attend the funeral service may attend virtually on Ron’s page at www.dwbfh.com and click on the live steam icon after 10:45 am. Arrangements are under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 N. Cline Rd, Coffeyville, Kansas, 67337.
Ron was born on June 29, 1946, in Coffeyville, KS, to Emery Preston and Catherine Marie (Brady) Childress. He attended Cedar Bluff School and Field Kindley High School, graduating in 1964. He was active in 4-H, FFA, and showed Heifer's. Ron married Kay Hayes on July 8, 1967, at Central Baptist Church in Coffeyville. He graduated from Pittsburg State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree, and later a master’s degree.
Over the years, he taught business and typing and coached at schools in La Marque, TX, Carl Junction, MO, Towanda, KS, Park Hill, KS, Caney, KS and Coffeyville, KS. He later became a high school principal at Frankfort, KS, Cherryvale, KS, and Coffeyville, KS, then became Superintendent of Schools for Spearville, KS. After his retirement, he worked for ANW Special Ed Co-Op; as well as, dabbling in sales and insurance.
Ron loved to travel, especially to Colorado. He and Kay enjoyed going on cruises, spending time with friends and relatives, and traveled many, many weekends to Branson, MO. He loved all sports and was in regular attendance at Coffeyville Red Ravens Athletics, and Kansas State Wildcat football games. He was also a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. Ron was called to serve the Lord in many different capacities. He enjoyed teaching Sunday School serving on committees and was a Deacon of the Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague to many people.
Ron is survived by his children, Preston Childress and Andy Hicks of Catoosa, OK, Brady Childress and Shawn Howard-Childress of Owasso, OK, Ronda Cowan and Bob of Caney, KS; grandchildren, Jacob Camp and Infinity Browning of Tulsa, OK, Haley Moran and Ryan of Caney, KS, Tyler Cowan and Abigail of Caney, KS, Jillian Childress of Lawrence, KS; great-grandchildren, Inez and Issa Browning, Gracen and Kynlee Winstead, Castiel, Nadine, Santana, and Willow Moran, Waylon and Bentley Cowan; sister and brother-in-law, Christy and MR Hershey; several nieces, nephews, other family members, and a host of friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kay; granddaughter, Hope Marie Cowan; sister, Janet Pinckney; an infant brother; bonus daughter, Joan Camp; niece, Helena Purl; nephews, Tommy Pinckney, Micah Hershey; and a host of other family members.
Honorary Pallbearers will be MR Hershey, Phil Helt, Jim Owen, Darrell Sommers, Wayne Norton, and Joe Moyer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the General Scholarship Fund at Coffeyville Community College, 400 W. 11th St, Coffeyville, KS, 67337, or Seasons Hospice, 6532 E. 71st St, #150, Tulsa, OK, 74133.
The family would like to thank the numerous friends, church members, and family, for their prayers, concerns, and visits. Your outpouring of love has made this time much easier and will forever be remembered. We would also like to thank the staff of both Baptist Village and Seasons Hospice for their loving and compassionate care they gave to Ron during his final days.
We invite you to share your memories of Ron and upload photos to his memorial page at www.dwbfh.com.
