04/28/2026
Ronald Dale Evans
Obituary for Dr. Ronald D. Evans (1933 – 2026)
Dr. Ronald D Evans, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away surrounded by family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Dr. Evans lived a life marked by quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering loyalty to the people he cherished.
Dr. Evans was born to Dwight and Grace Mae Evans in Lanagan, MO, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in a close-knit family, moving many times in his early childhood during the Great Depression. He carried the experiences and values learned during his early life becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college, East Central University and ultimately receiving a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University. Dr. Evans married the love of his life, Estelle Lee (Wood) Evans, 1952, who survives him. Their nearly 74-year marriage was one of deep commitment, mutual respect, and loyalty.
Dr. Evans was the proud father of four children, each of whom brought him immense joy:
· Tammy D. Howell, married to Robert Howell, and their children
o Brett Howell, married to Katherine and their children Madelyn, Tucker, and Weston
o Chad Howell, married to JaMia
o Shannon Leonard, married to Ken, and their children Amelia and Jacob
· Paula Evans
· Tracy Evans, married to Patricia Brockmeier, and their children:
o Alexandria Herndon, married to Thomas, and their children Charlotte and Parker
o Kathleen Scott, married to Trey, and their children Robert and Sophia
· Rhonda Clements (deceased), married to Leslie, and their son
o Justin, married to Anna
Dr. Evans was preceded in death by his brothers James Evans and Fred Evans. He is survived by their families, including James’s children Rita, Jimmy, and Steve, and Fred’s children Sherry and Mitzi. Dr. Evans remained deeply connected to his extended family, honoring the bonds that shaped his early life.
Family was the center of Dr. Evans’s world. He delighted in watching his children and grandchildren grow, celebrating their milestones, and offering steady guidance whenever it was needed. His legacy lives on in his children and in the countless moments of kindness he shared with others.
Dr. Evans built a career by educating engineering students at the University of Central Florida and The University of Oklahoma. Through his natural inclination for problem solving, technical excellence and leadership, he received numerous awards for teaching and research. He served as the principal advisor to many Master and PhD graduate students. In addition to his university teaching, Dr. Evans spent years leading and teaching Sunday School classes and serving on numerous church committees. He approached every challenge with calm determination, hard work, doing the right thing. Teaching with integrity, humility and gentle humor guided his life.
A celebration of Dr. Evans’s life will occur at Tribute Memorial’s Chapel at 10:00 am, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 4300 West Indian Hills Rd, Norman, OK 73072 where family and friends will gather to honor his remarkable life and memory. Interment will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery Ada, OK. Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm on Friday May 1, 2026, at Tribute Memorial.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Red Cross to assist Oklahoma Tornado victims affected by the most recent tornadoes in Enid and Ponca City.
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