Ronald D. Bever

Ronald D. Bever

1933-2022

Dr. Ronald D. Bever was born on November 21, 1933, to Arley and Armold (Wilson) Bever in Granada, Colorado.  He passed away peacefully at his home in Oklahoma City on November 5, 2022, at the age of 88 surrounded by his family.  He is survived by Doris (Jones) Bever, his wife of 64 years, four children – Ken (Rhonda) Bever, Stan Bever, Jane (Tommy) Raulston, and Annette Bever – eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and brother Dale (Alison) Bever.

With a heart for preaching, Ron earned advanced degrees in Bible and Religious Education from Harding College.  To enhance his speaking ability and with a passion to teach others, Ron received a Ph.D. in Public Address and Group Communication at Northwestern University.   After receiving an invitation to teach at Oklahoma Christian College, he joined the faculty in 1964.  During his 32-year tenure, Ron served as Chair of the Communication and Fine Arts Division for 20 years and was prominent in the formation and operation of the campus radio station.  His favorite courses to teach included Speech 101, Expository Preaching, and Restoration Movement.  Former students and colleagues recall the personal interest he would take in them – often praying with them and sending handwritten notes of encouragement.

His involvement in campus life stretched far beyond the walls of the Communication department.  For ten years, Ron served as faculty sponsor of a student missions organization which later became Outreach.  He organized, promoted, and led numerous mission trips.  He encouraged many to become missionaries and everyone to share their faith regardless of their vocation.  Ron had a particular passion for Hope for Haiti’s Children, a ministry which his son, Ken, and daughter-in-law, Rhonda, began in 1995.

Ron has filled numerous roles for church of Christ congregations, including youth minister, song leader, deacon, preacher, and elder.  He served as an elder at the Britton Road Church of Christ from 1975 until his death.

Everyone is invited to a viewing and family visitation on Friday, November 18, 2022, from 5-7pm at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly Ave., Edmond, OK  73013.   On Saturday, November 19, 2022, a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30am at the Britton Road Church of Christ, 2520 W Britton Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73120.  The family will receive guests that Saturday morning before the memorial service from 9–10am.  Internment will immediately follow the service at the Memorial Park Cemetery, 13313 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73131.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are requested to Hope for Haiti’s Children (www.HopeForHaitisChildren.org) or the Britton Road Church of Christ Mission Fund (www.BrittonRoad.org).

To live stream the service please click the following link tiny.cc/RonBeverMemorial

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