Ronald Covill

Ronald (Ron) Covill, also known as “Bald Eagle” on his CB radio, passed away Sunday, November 2nd at his home in Cleveland Oklahoma.

Ron was born to Roy W and Gladys L (Edwards) Covill April 7th, 1933, in Ponca City Oklahoma

He attended Pleasant View School District 85. Upon his father’s death at 16 he assumed the 160 Acre dairy farm established in 1941, 12 miles NE of Ponca City. His passion was farming, tending to the land, building his herd that never saw a whip and his family. His farm life produced a tenacious man who continued the many challenges of life’s vison and never quit or gave up. He valued the help of his friends and family, visits at the farm were always welcome. Bad weather for a few consecutive years, forced Ronnie to sell the herd of dairy cattle. He remained on the farm operating a livestock and hay hauling business. Ron tried several jobs in town before he was hired by the Ponca City Board of Education, Ron attended a maintenance class at OSU and worked driving a tractor and mowing then in the maintenance dept. Then he became custodian at East Jr. High School there Washington school, Ron enjoyed the 21 years of serving teachers and students.

In 1960 Ron married Wilma J. Reed they had three children Flora Mae, David and Kevin Covill. The marriage ended after 21 years. On August 1, 1986, Ron married Winnie Marie Johnston. Ron and Winnie traveled many years in the motor home all over the country. Finally, Ron settled at 1020 Poplar in Ponca City Oklahoma. Ron was an extreme supporter of the Noon Lion Club he helped Ponca City become ADA compliant city, helped change White Cane Laws and promoted independence for the visually impaired people, was a frequent user of the Cimarron Transit and the leader of the Lion’s vison support group for years. He lived the Lion’s moto “we serve”. In July of 2024,Ron and Winnie decided to move to Baptist Village in Cleveland Oklahoma where he died.

He was preceded in death by one son, Kevin Walter Covill, two half-sisters Flora Moore and Jesse Wile of Tonkawa Oklahoma.

He is survived by His wife Winnie Covill of Clevland, Ok, one son David Covill of Little Rock Arkansas, one Daughter Flora Drake of Ponca City OK, three stepsons he loved like his own, Dusty Johnston and wife Nicole of Moore OK, Tim Johnston and wife Shelby of Tonkawa OK, And Scott Johnston and life partner Brenda Asbury of Ark City KS. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Lee Drake, Cody Johnston, Mathew Johnson, and Ronnie J. Covill, one great grandson, Bentlee Johnston, and nephew Roy Wile.

Rons Wishes were to be cremated and returned to his home place.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ponca City Noon Lions Club.

A celebration of life will be held later.