November 1, 1947 – May 3, 2025

Ronald Dean Arterbery, 77, passed away May 3, 2025, in Tulsa. He was born November 1, 1947, in Sherman, Texas to Bobbye J. and Gwendolyn (Bridges) Arterbery.

Ronald received his education in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School with the Class of 1965. He then attended dear old Langston University, where he earned his B.S. degree in elementary education in 1970. While at Langston, he pledged his membership into the one and only Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Brother Arterbery then went on to earn his Master’s in Guidance and Counseling degree in 1977 from Northeastern State University in 1977.

Ronald was well known and loved by his many students he served during his career with the Okmulgee Public School System for 36 years.

Brother Arterbery was active in his church and community, evident from his many affiliations; Uganda Martyr’s Catholic Church, served as Treasurer for the Knights of St. Peter Claver, served on the board of directors for CREOKS as president, served as a member of Okmulgee Education Foundation, and beloved brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a United States Air Force Veteran, serving his country honorably from 1970 until 1974.

The sunset of life for Ronald Dean Arterbery came on Saturday morning, May 3, 2025, in Tulsa.

He leaves precious memories with his loving family; his son, Sean Keith Arterbery, Okmulgee; his daughters, RaVonda Cole, Broken Arrow and Angela M. Powell, Okmulgee; his brother, Steven [Cynthia] Arterbery, Coppell, Texas; his sisters, Cheryl J. Deboard, Chicago and Karen J. McGarthy, Missouri City, Texas; his granddaughters, Kennedy Arterbery, Tomball, Texas and Zaria Cole, McKinney, Texas; his great-granddaughter, Elaina; along with other relatives, church family and friends who will cherish his loving memory.

Funeral mass for Brother Arterbery will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Uganda Martyr’s Catholic Church. The Very Reverend Kenneth John Harder will be the Celebrant.

You may visit him as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the Chapel of Peace of Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc. of Okmulgee on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 1-6 p.m. The rosary will begin at 6 p.m. and the public is welcome to attend.