March 18, 1938 - January 2, 2015
Col. Ret. Rolland F. ''Ron'' Clarkson Jr., of North Little Rock, was called home on January 2, 2015 at the age of 76.
Ron was born on March 18, 1938 in Horton, KS to Rolland Frank Clarkson Sr. and Ruby Margaret Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Marilyn Manrose Clarkson. Ron is survived by his son, Randy Clarkson (Zanya) of Little Rock; daughter, Candice Roberts (Bob) of Sherwood, AR; sister-in-law, Mary Kay Dunwoody of Peru, Indiana; three grandchildren, Derek L. Clarkson, Sean M. Clarkson, and Charles C. Roberts; and a host of family and friends.
Ron was raised in Atchison, KS and graduated high school with a basketball scholarship. Though he began his college career at Oklahoma University, he transferred to Washburn University in Topeka, KS after his sophomore year. Ron graduated in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and was later designated a Distinguished Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Graduate. He held a master's degree in counseling and guidance from Alabama's Troy State University. His professional military education included Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces and Army War College.
A self-described ''hard-core airlifter,'' Ron was a command pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours; more than 1,300 hours of which were flown in combat. During his military career, Ron held command positions at Little Rock Air Force Base and Pope Air Force Base. At Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, he was both the Vice Commander 23rd Air Force and the Deputy Chief of Staff of Plans and Programs. After his retirement from the Air Force, Ron built a twenty-year career at H&R Block. He was an Enrolled Agent, Master Tax Advisory 3 and Office Leader at the Pike Avenue location for many years.
His military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal and 10 oak leaf clusters and Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
Visitation will be at 5:30-7:30 P.M., Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR (501-791-7400). In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the USO or the American Cancer Society.
Graveside service will be at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery in North Little Rock. Visitation will be from 5:30-7:30 P.M., Tuesday at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock (501-791-7400).
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21 Condolence(s)
Richard Theokas
Monday, April 13, 2015
He was my wing commander at Pope AFB and was superb at his leadership. Even as a slick-winged bean squadron commander, I learned about command and people from him in such a way that benefits to my career probably far outweighed any effort he made in teaching me. A really good guy and I am so sorry at his passing. My condolences to his friends, colleagues and family. We have lost a good one.
linda
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Ron and I have known each other for many years. He was my "taxman" and I can't tell you how he guided me and reassured me over the years. I was very distressed when I received notice of his death. He was very dear to me, my daughter, and granddaughter because he always helped us. I know that you know how brilliant he was. He was also caring and delightful. We loved to laugh about the silly things that the government came up with each year. I will miss him and his smiling, happy face. I am praying for your peace of mind and heart. What a great guy.
Jim and Pat Kahler
Thursday, January 8, 2015
It was an honor to serve under his command. He was a leader with integrity and compassion. True American patriot. Rest in peace.
Wayne & Juanita Harden
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Ron, Marilyn and the kids were wonderful friends in our Air Force life. We cherish all the many hours spent together in loving friendship making the best of long B-52 TDY's. Those days carry many fond memories that we enjoy thinking on. The Clarkson have blessed the earth with their love and faithfulness. Now they have gone to their better reward. They will be missed!
Scott
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Sir
Thanks for all that you did for Jackie and I. You opened our eyes to the opportunities the AF had to offer. You were a friend and mentor! Fly safe my friend!
Scott and Jackie Gray
Kent & Bonnie Lattig
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Randy, Candi & Familly,
Our hearts and prayers go out for you. Ron was one of my Air Force heroes...way back when...in Montgomery. We loved Marilyn too. You were blessed to have great parents...and great Americans. God Bless, Love, and prayers, K & B
Hazen Mirts
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
So sorry I could not be there to spend a moment with you during the celebration of your fathers life. Our love and thoughts are with you and your family! Hazen and Brettany Mirts
Sharon Clark
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Randy and Candi,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Will keep you guys in my prayers.
With Love
Sharon
Al Peck
Monday, January 5, 2015
May you rest in peace Rollie. It was a pleasure knowing and working with you. Angel flight is waiting to take you home.
Kathey Brazile Holmes
Monday, January 5, 2015
Candi, Randy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your grief be softened by the wonderful memories you made together. I am lifting all of you up in my prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
E. Max Friedauer
Monday, January 5, 2015
RIP Sir! It was truly a pleasure to work for you and with you during my six years at Pope AFB back in the 1980s. And then again at Scott AFB when you were at HQ MAC. I couldn't have asked for a better boss. Again, RIP Ron!
Sheila Davis
Monday, January 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.
Bruce Schratz
Monday, January 5, 2015
So sorry for your loss....
Mary (Jones) McGinness
Sunday, January 4, 2015
I consider it my great fortune to have grown up with "Ronnie" as an elder cousin. His huge smile and infectious laugh always brought joy and happiness to family gatherings. Randy and Candy we all share in your loss.
Deborah Bennett
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Randy and family, my heart and prayers goes out to you all. Ron was a wonderful guy. He was my "tax guy" for many years and we shared a lot of stories about ourselves and our families with each other. He will be greatly missed. Thanks for sharing him with me. God bless.
Tom Lafferty
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Ron was a great boss and an even better friend. He will be missed.
Allan D Wade
Sunday, January 4, 2015
I thought of Ron as a great friend when we served together in the US Air Force. I seldom saw him after our active duty ended but to me, he remained a friend throughout our retirement years.
Pamela Caple
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Such a great loss! Prayers for the family and friends. The world has lost a great man!
Bert Hearne
Sunday, January 4, 2015
I am so fortunate to have known Ron Clarkson. We had a lot in common as both being from Kansas, both having Air Force life for over 20 years, and our work together at H & R Block for 20 years. Ron was a great man and a great friend. He will be missed by many. My condolences to Ron's family.
Kathryn Jones
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Randy & Candy, we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Ron's visits with us in Kansas. He was a special man a joy to be around. Marilyn and Ron will be in our hearts and thoughts forever.
Sincerely, Larry & Kathy Jones
Jon & Marilyn Williams
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Rest well, old friend, and remember the good times.