Ronald Joe Tannahill passed from this life on November 14, 2025, at the age of 76 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Ron was born on October 25, 1949, in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He was the son of Alfred Ray and Ina Ruth (Creager) Tannahill. Ron grew up in Pawnee and attended school there, later graduating with the Class of 1967. After high school, Ron attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he earned an Associate of Science degree in Mechanical Design Technology. Ron served his country with the Oklahoma National Guard from 1969 to 1975. On January 18, 1969, Ron was united in marriage to Susan Elaine Fenley in Pawnee, Oklahoma. The couple established their initial home in Pawnee until 1975, when he built their current home in Cleveland, where they continued to reside. Ron accepted employment with Osage Oil when he moved to Cleveland and soon oversaw the construction of their gas stations and convenience stores. In 1985, Ron started Tannahill Construction, which he operated for 30+ years. In 1996, Ron began working for Buffalo Land and Title as a title researcher for 20 years, until he retired.
Ron always enjoyed being outdoors, working in his shop on a project, tending to his cattle and chickens. Ron and Elaine enjoyed traveling throughout the Southern United States. Family and grandchildren were his main priorities in life. He was a member of the Western Heights Baptist Church and served on the building and grounds committee.
Survivors are his wife Elaine of the home, two daughters Machelle Childress and husband Tim, Ronda Roberts and husband Kevin; siblings Beverly Cavett and husband Richard, Connie Rosson and husband Roy; six grandchildren Traci and husband Clancey, Kayla and husband Dylan, Cody and wife Lauren, Shane, Anna, Ronnie and Lizzy; eight great grandchildren, Aly, Braiden, Eva, Reese, Legend, Maggie, Clay, Willow and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his sister Janel Hooper.
Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Western Heights Baptist Church with David Head officiating. Chapman-Black Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Western Heights Baptist Church Building and Grounds Fund: 201 North Gilbert, Cleveland, Oklahoma, 74020. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for Ron at www.chapman-black.com.
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