Obituary of Ronald Caulkins

Coffeyville - Ronald Lee Caulkins, 73, of Cherryvale, formerly of Dearing, passed away Monday, August, 12, 2013 at Mercy Hospital in Independence. He was born October 19, 1939, east of Independence, to Wallace D. and Jessie Clara (Martin) Caulkins. Ronald grew up and attended school in Coffeyville graduating from Field Kindley High School. Following high school he attended Coffeyville Community College. On April 26, 1958 he married Patricia Gilstrap. Following their marriage, they made their home in the Coffeyville area where they raised their two sons and Ron was employed as a Machinist at Funk Mfg. Co now John Deere Coffeyville Works. Patricia preceded him in death on December 28, 1986. On August 21, 1987 he married Carol (Jarrett) McGovney. After their marriage they made their home in Coffeyville. Following Ron's retirement in 1994 they moved to Grand Lake, OK where they lived until moving to South Coffeyville, OK. Ron worked for Montgomery County, driving a Road Maintainer and tractor for several years before retiring. In 2000 they moved to Dearing for 11 years, in 2011 they moved to Cherryvale. Ron had attended Central Baptist Church north of Coffeyville, and was a former member of the Moose Lodge in Grove, OK, and the Retreads. In his spare time he enjoyed riding motorcycles, woodworking, and tractors, but more than anything he loved spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Carol of the home; two sons, Russell Caulkins, and Martin J. Caulkins both of Coffeyville; one step-daughter, Stephanie Edens of Cherryvale; one step-son, Steven McGovney of Coffeyville; one brother, Verlyn Caulkins of Coffeyville; eight grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and 1 step-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Patricia; and two brothers, Gene and Greg Caulkins. Graveside Services celebrating Ron's life will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 16, 2013 at the Fairview Cemetery Veterans Memorial Patio, with Rev. Eric Lange of the Cherryvale Christian Church officiating. Following Ron's wishes after the service, cremation will take place and inurnment will take place at a later date in Restlawn Memorial Park. Friends may call on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.