Ronald “Ronnie” Lee Yandel, 75, of the Hontubby community was born Nov. 4, 1949 in Heavener to Bobby Lee and Lillie Belle (McCammish) Yandell. He left this world and went to “Gloryland” Jan. 25, 2025 surrounded by his beloved family.
Funeral service is 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Freedom House Fellowship, 20977 Independence Road in Heavener with Brother David Billy and Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Burial will follow in the Hontubby Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
He was a life-long resident of the area and a 1968 graduate of Heavener High School. He was a logger and driver for JB Hunt. He was of the Baptist faith. Ronnie married his high school sweetheart, Elaine (Elliott) Yandell on May 3, 1968. When Ronnie and Elaine started dating he was shy and bashful. They spent many dates eating in the truck because he was too shy to go inside a restaurant to order. They were married for 56 wonderful years and were blessed with two daughters, who were the light of his life. The two created a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which were his world.
Ronnie was a kind, sweet, gentle and quiet man. To know him was to love him. He treated everyone with respect and kindness and never had a negative word to say about anyone. Ronnie’s passion was gardening, hunting, fishing and taking care of his chickens. His best days were spent shucking corn with his mama, brothers, and family. He always looked forward to his family’s annual deer camping trip, where the best memories were created. Ronnie loved his family with his entire heart and never failed to let them know.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elaine Yandell, of the home; two daughters Rochelle Watts and husband Joey of the Hontubby community, and Melinda McGee and husband Sam of Howe; two sisters Linda Rainbolt of Checotah and Patsy Lyons and husband Dallas of Heavener; two brothers Paul Yandell and wife Helen of Heavener, and Randy A. Yandell of Heavener; eight grandchildren April Keller and husband Jerrid of Heavener, Jolee Carter and husband Jeremy of Heavener, Rod Manley, Jr. and wife Niki of Heavener, Shaylee Button and husband Daniel of Parks, Arkansas, Jacee Grubbs and husband Trey of Heavener, Kacee Place and husband Connor of Wister, Piper Manley of Howe and Phoebe Manley of Howe; one special granddaughter, Ashlyn Fowler, of Heavener; 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren on the way; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bobby Lee Yandell and Lillie Belle (McCammish) Tolbert; his step-dad, Kenneth Tolbert; and one brother, Donny Yandell.
Pallbearers are Jerrid Keller, Rod Manley, Jr., Trey Grubbs, Daniel Button, Connor Place, Harlan Shrock and Sam McGee.
Honorary pallbearers are Dex Carter, Carter Button, Easton Morton, Duck Cripps, Kevin Yandell, Michael Yandell, Randy Yandell and Joey Watts.
Viewing is from 1 until 6 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday. The family will visit with friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
To sign Ronnie’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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