Ronald Tebbs

Luginbuel Funeral Home - Vinita - 918-256-5555..... TEBBS - Ronald Dan'l Tebbs Sr. Born in Whittier, California on July 9, 1937, revered University of Southern California track coach and honored California Teacher of the Year, Ronald Tebbs passed away peacefully from complications of pneumonia on June 19, 2017 a few days short of his 80th birthday. Ron is survived by Carol, his wife of 60 years of Disney, Oklahoma; sister Beverley Henderson of McCall, Idaho; daughter, Kim Godber of Wrightwood, California; and son, Ron Tebbs Jr. of Disney, Oklahoma and owner of Ron's Heat and Air in Vinita. Six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren lovingly remember him as, "Grandpa Santa" for his warm wide smile, white beard and jolly disposition. Ron lived a full and active life, teaching Advanced Biology for 38 years until 1997 in the same classroom where his own father taught Chemistry before him and as President of the Whittier High School District Teachers' Association. After retirement, Ron established himself as an A-flight golfer in the Men's Golf Association at PGA West in La Quinta, California and served as Treasurer of the Homeowner's Association there. Ron is remembered for his devotion to family, even when personally recruited twice by Michael Jackson to head a proposed Olympic track and field training camp for black athletes. He worried that the young star was a "flash in the pan" unable to reliably match his teaching salary. He never regretted turning down the offer, though his family was in disbelief. His many students regard "Mr. Tebbs" as their most memorable teacher who made learning difficult material interesting. He once quipped, "I teach until their eyes get glassy, then I go into my funny stories". Ron earned his Bachelor's degree and Master's in Education from Whittier College and a Master's in Marine Biology from Humboldt State University in Trinidad, California. Ron's life will be celebrated on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the Luginbuel Funeral Chapel, 332 North Scraper, Vinita, Oklahoma. Burial follows at McLaughlin Cemetery in Cleora, Oklahoma, near the Gran Tara entrance.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, June 28th, 2017 8:00am - 8:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Service Details

Thursday, June 29th, 2017 10:00am, Luginbuel Funeral Home

Interment Details

McLaughlin Cemetery