Calhoon, Ronald Edwin , at the age of 75, passed away the evening of Wednesday, December 22, 2021. As Ronnie had been unable to care for himself the last few years, he was at "his home", the El Dorado Care and Rehabilitation Center, where he peacefully passed away. He had a non-Covid respiratory infection and respiratory failure, from which he could no longer recover.

Ronnie was born in El Dorado, Kansas, on July 28, 1946, to Paula Ruth (Spradlin) and Alfred Edwin Calhoon. Bob Plummer, his cousin, was born two days later in the same hospital. Both Moms shared a room. Ruth and Eve had many stories to tell about their two boys and their stay at the hospital. Both boys served in the US Navy.

No matter what job or task Ronnie did, he had a passion for doing it right. He was always known for being a jokester and enjoying life. Ronnie was happiest when he could joke and tease with those he loved. Messing up Mother's hair, right before going to the beauty shop, was a favorite of his. She would act like she hated having her hair messed up, but she really loved it that Ronnie got such a big kick out of it. At "his home", he relished in having fun with those caring for him. Anything from putting glue on doorknobs to emptying the pop machine and hoarding all of the Dr Pepper he could get his hands on. He would trade things with the other residents, always trying to get the better deal in the end. He seemed proud when telling Ross that he eloped one night. He was found in his wheelchair hauling butt down the street, by his measurement, about a mile or two away. Thank goodness it wasn't an electric wheelchair. Disappointed as he was that his "escape route" was blocked after that, he still successfully escaped one more time. It was great fun for him and he delighted in telling the story. He had a love of dogs and cats, but mostly cats. He would have at least one, if not two cats, living with him most of the time. After all, he was a Leo and proud of it.

Ronnie served in the US Navy and was aboard the USS Constellation (CV-64), a Kitty Hawk-class Supercarrier, in 1966. He was also on the USS Coral Sea, a Midway-class aircraft carrier, from 1967 to 1968. He received Navy Unit Commendation Ribbons for both tours of duty during the Vietnam War. Ronnie was very proud of his military service. He is part of a long family history of those serving our country. Both of his grandfathers served in WW1, his father served in WW2, his brother, along with uncles and cousins, have all served in the military.

While stationed in California, Ronnie was "dragging Belmont" and saw the love of his life, Dee (Dovina). They eventually married and had one son named David. When Ronnie and Dee would visit El Dorado, it was always a joy and welcomed visit. One picture taken during a visit is Ronnie giving Dee a ride on his shoulders with our grandparents beside them. The two of them were full of young love and fun. One night, Ross took Dee for a ride in his mustang "dragging Central". She was so surprised that he honked and waved at so many people. Ross explained that in El Dorado, everyone knew everyone.

Ronnie loved the outdoors, mountains, and motorcycles. Including a triumph "chopper" that he built. All of the Calhoon's were avid bowlers. Ronnie was a good bowler and worked at El Bowl in the "back end" with the machines. He attended the ABC Masters Tournament, with family and friends, in both Las Vegas, and Corpus Christi, with his son David.

During his high school years, Ronnie worked for George Myers Construction. One hot summer, probably suffering from a near heat stroke, his Mother and Ross entered the house to find Ronnie lying flat on the dining room floor, under the window air conditioner. As the two of them started past Ronnie, he quickly waved his arm and reminded them to "stay on the left side of the road". Ronnie worked for the Fresno Bee newspaper in the printing and distribution center. Later in life, he moved to Phoenix to attend culinary school. He loved his career and cooking for family and friends. His work as a chef landed him positions at golf courses and even nursing homes. As usual, he always had a tale or two about the "old people" at the nursing homes. He eventually moved back to El Dorado to be closer to home. He worked at Willie's Bar and Grill in El Dorado as well.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Al, of El Dorado; his sister Ruth Ann (Peterson) Calhoon also of El Dorado.

Ronnie's family includes his son, David and his wife Mandi Calhoon of Fresno, and three grandchildren, Conner, Payton, and Kyndal. His brother Ross and wife Becky. Ross' first wife Lou, and their children Emily and Sarah.