Lawrence Jerome "Jerry" Ring

Lawrence Jerome “Jerry” Ring passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

Jerry was born to Bert and Opal (King) Ring on Monday, November 9, 1931 in Okmulgee, OK. Jerry graduated from Hominy High School in May,1950 and then married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean Corbell, on his birthday, November 9, 1950. Jerry served honorably in the U.S. Army from June 18, 1952 – March 08,1962. While stationed in Ft. Bragg, NC, they had Colleen Gayle in 1954, followed by Carrie Lynn being born while stationed in Germany,1957.

Jerry wore many hats while in service, including both the Green Beret, as an Army Ranger in Special Forces and Maroon Beret, as he was Airborne Forces. The most horrific hat he wore was being a P.O.W. for 13 months. However, his most treasured hat was the helmet of a Paratrooper. Jerry was attached to the U.S. Army 101st, 82nd, and 11th Airborne Divisions. He made 402 jumps from the C-119 and 35 skydives, totaling 437 jumps. One of the 437 jumps was during combat, which earned him the star he wore proudly in the center of his airborne patch. He was a member of the Oklahoma All Airborne Chapter, 82nd Airborne Association, and a part of the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team. One thing he enjoyed every year was having the honor and privilege to be Honorary Pinner at the jump school in Frederick, OK. Jerry pinned wings on graduates from all over the United States and many foreign countries. Jerry’s war achievements go beyond words, amongst his many earnings, he received two Purple Hearts during battle and the highest award of Valor that a solider can receive. On March 25, 2022, Jerry was able to take an extra special road trip to Ft. Benning, GA in order to pin his actual jump wings onto his oldest grandson, Chad’s uniform. Jerry then took Chad’s wings and wore them proudly on his airborne hat, to this day. This was yet a very important and special moment for Jerry and Chad.

Jerry then went on to OBU from 1962 to 1965, majoring in both Philosophy and Psychology, with minors in Religious Education, including Bible and Greek language. After the service, Jerry also wore many more hats, including Ordained Minister, Youth Pastor, and song leader, as well as employee hats for Phillips 66, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, and Zebco.

He enjoyed art and was an outstanding artist, even publishing a series of comics, and was an avid reader. He was most passionate about God’s Word and Theological Studies, including Eschatology. He loved teaching Bible study at Prairie Point Assisting Living Center in Stroud. Jerry loved to spend time with his family – they came first. He was well liked by all he met. Although he is securely resting in His Savior’s arms (and probably leading music for an angelic choir), he will be sorely missed here on earth by his friends and family.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Opal Ring; his brother, Albert Ring; his former wife, Betty Shadley; and his special friend, Mrs. Cecil Lankford.

Jerry leaves behind his daughters, Colleen Patterson (Lloyd) of Ponca City, Carrie Kaup (Mike) of Tonkawa; grandchildren, Ashley Miller, Amie Huster, Chad Patterson (Amber), Rachael Young (Matt), and Levi Kaup (Shelby); as well as his “Grandotters” Cherie Lindsey, Elysia Wages, and Melody Hightower; his great-grandchildren, Alyda Alvarez (Peter), Lexie Huster, Logan Huster, James ‘Wyatt’ Patterson, Alexander Kaup, Amelia Kaup and several other extended family members, and innumerable lives he touched during his life.

There will be a come and go visitation Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 9am - 8pm at the funeral home. Graveside Service will be Friday, July 25, 2025 at 11am at Stroud Cemetery. A guest book is available to share your memories on-line. Please visit www.ParksBrothers.net. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team at wwiiadt.org or by contacting Jessi Romero at (918) 960.1005.