Celebrating the Life of Ron Markham

June 5, 1947 – January 30, 2026

Our dear friend and brother in Christ, Ronald Lewis Markham, went home to be with his Lord on January 30, 2026. Ron was a man who truly walked out his faith every single day. Even in his final hours, he was praying and giving thanks—a beautiful testament to a life spent in constant conversation with God. He passed away peacefully, knowing he was headed toward total healing and the arms of his Savior.

The Quiet Depth of a Humble Servant

Ron was so profoundly humble that many who knew him are only now, in his passing, realizing the true scale of his life and accomplishments. As his story is pieced together, a picture emerges of a man far more accomplished and devoted than he ever let on. We knew he was a man of God, but only now do we see just how deeply that devotion ran.

Every paper he kept, every piece of mail, every book, CD, and even his artwork pointed back to Jesus in some way. His education and professional successes were never things he boasted about; instead, they were quiet tools he used to bring glory to God in everything he did.

A Ministry Without Borders

Ron's ministry wasn't a series of events; it was his very way of being. He saw every person he met as an opportunity to pray, to teach, and to build a genuine personal relationship. He ministered everywhere—literally anywhere he encountered another soul. Whether it was at his informal "office" at the Lakewood Library, in a grocery store aisle, or at Munger Place, Highland Country Fellowship, or Fellowship Dallas, Ron had no ego in sharing the message of Jesus. He wanted every person he met to know the same peace and provision he found in Christ.

A Heart for the World

Ron had a special passion for Wycliffe Bible Translators. A brilliant linguist, he used his Master's degree to help translate the Holy Scriptures into tribal languages so that everyone could hear God's Word in their own "heart language."

His generosity extended to supporting ministries for the homeless, pro-life causes, and addiction recovery and countless other missions, from Dallas to Indonesia and South America. He lived simply so that he could give abundantly to the Kingdom.

A Patriot and a Neighbor

A true patriot, Ron served with distinction as a Captain in the U.S. Army and was a skilled helicopter pilot. That same sense of loyalty extended to his local community—whether he was bonding with neighbors over the latest Dallas Cowboys game, sharing spicy meals with friends, or holding his informal hours at the library. He was a dedicated student of health and wellness who believed in caring for the "temple" God gave him.

A Shared Legacy

Ron is now reunited with his brothers, Bob and Rick, who surely welcomed him with open arms. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Carol D. Markham; his nephews, Paul and Craig (Elena) Markham; and his grand-niece and grand-nephew, Anna and Daniel.

He leaves behind an entire community that was made better just by knowing him. We will all miss his unwavering trust in God's plan and the steady, humble way he lived out the Gospel.

There is surely no doubt that when Ron was received into heaven that the first words he heard were: Well done, good and faithful servant.— Matthew 25:21

Service Information

Ron will be laid to rest with military honors at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on February 16th at 9:30 AM, alongside his brother, Rick. If you'd like to attend the service, plan to arrive at Jeter & Son Funeral Home, 4830 W. Illinois Ave, Dallas,  no later than 9:10am to line up for the informal processional to the burial site at the National Cemetery. We will gather to celebrate Ron's life with a memorial service at Munger Place Church on March 21, 2026, at 1pm in the sanctuary with a reception in the education building immediately following.

Donations

In memory of Ron's adventurous spirit and his love for the Word, donations can be made to:

Non-profit Christian organizations that were dear to Ron :

● Wycliffe Bible Translators

● Thru the Bible

International Ministries (Ron had close personal friendships with these two):

● Pastor Waqar Khokar in Pakistan (Fire Hope Church Ministries): Please email for details: kietain.waqar@googlemail.com

● Andre Kristiawan in Indonesia (and his family, Esra & Cega): Please email for details: andre_kristiawan25@yahoo.co.id