Ronald Winn Bilyeu

Ronald Winn Bilyeu was born December 7, 1942 in Shreveport, Louisiana, the second son of Ruth and L A Bilyeu. Ron and his siblings, Landon, Dennis, Jerry, and Karen grew up "by the tracks" and all five went on to earn college degrees.

Ron graduated high school and then moved to Tulsa where he attended the University of Tulsa. He worked three jobs, took out loans, and hustled pool to pay his way through college, frequently dodging the bursar. He had a beautiful tenor voice and was a member of TU's modern choir. He graduated from TU with a bachelor's degree in music education and spent a year teaching in Los Angeles. He then got a job working in construction. (His new boss assumed Ron's BS in ME meant he had a mechanical engineering degree - an assumption Ron did not correct). Over the years, Ron worked in sales, directed or sang in several church choirs, and started two companies, The Chelsea Company and the Shear Edge. He enjoyed being the owner of the Bilyeu Belles fantasy baseball team for a time and the male comradery it provided.

For most of his life, Ron was outgoing, gregarious and affable. Everywhere he went, it seemed he ran into someone he knew. He was known to approach strangers in restaurants and jokingly ask if he could have a bite of what they were eating. He was married twice and divorced twice. (He tried.) He had a solid work ethic. He did not have the temperament for golf. He loved bacon, grilling steaks, a good martini, classical music, Frank Sinatra, basketball, Reese's peanut butter cups, playing computer solitaire, doing crosswords in pen, and watching the news. He rolled his socks and underwear neatly but hoarded ketchup packets. He never learned to text.

Ron passed away on St. Patrick's Day 2022, hoping to see his older brother Landon and his wife, Fran, who both preceded him in death. Many memories of Ron remain with his children, Dax Bilyeu of Tulsa, Chelsea Spence and husband Jon of Edmond, granddaughters, Abby and Maddy (who called him "Chief"); brothers Dennis Bilyeu (Sandy); Jerry Bilyeu (Pam); his younger sister, Karen Smith; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Every day of your life is a page of your story that you write. A celebration of Ron's story and life will be held at 7 PM Saturday, April 9, at The Studio, 2221 E Admiral Blvd, Tulsa, OK.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family online, www.schaudtfuneralservice.com