Ronald C. Kolb of McKinney, Texas, 79, passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2024, in McKinney, Texas.
His memorial celebration service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 1, 2024 at First McKinney Church, 1615 West Louisiana Street, McKinney, Texas 75069, with Warren Samuels officiating.
Ron was born in Dermott, Arkansas to Harold Clyde and Martha “Jane” Kolb on June 24, 1944. Unaware her third pregnancy would be identical twin boys, the Kolbs welcomed Donald and brother, Ronald, and simply gave them the middle initial “C” in their surprise. Ron collected nearly every superlative in his McGehee, Arkansas, senior yearbook before attending the University of Arkansas on a track scholarship, later graduating from the University of Memphis. Several years later he received his law degree from Mississippi College.
He married Karen Locke Kimzey on July 20, 1968, and moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where they had three children, Kyle Burton, and twins, Karen Morgan and Layton Kimzey. Ron lost his beloved wife on October 9, 1981, two days after the twins were born. Ron married Tena Sue Pedigo in Jackson, Mississippi on August 28, 1982, exactly five months to the day after she called him and told him she was crazy about him. Three years later and after moving to Texas, they completed their family with the birth of Lacey Marene. During his career, he served in the Oil and Gas industry, and as an attorney for Texas Instruments. A devout believer in Jesus Christ as his Savior, Ron participated in choir at the churches he called home, and served as Elder, Deacon, and Trustee. He joyfully and wisely gave of his time, talent, and treasure to the many Christian missions he supported.
Known affectionately as "Pops" to his eleven grandchildren, Ron was a kind, wise, Godly, quick-witted and faithful man. A twinkle in his green eyes always preceded a ready smile and humorous quip. He enjoyed helping others with any resources he had, never expecting anything in return, because it “all belonged to God anyway.” He was not easily ruffled. His deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ was evident in his outlook and steadying spirit. Ron enjoyed spending his time two-stepping with his “bride” to country music even in the kitchen, hunting with his boys, playing golf, boating, coaching his children, playing cards often (always!) making up his own rules, and reading mystery thrillers he shared with his daughters. He loved to fellowship with friends and family over a barely cooked filet or a sizzling skillet of fajitas with nearly burnt onions. Thanksgiving always had to include “sweet potato compote” and salads with “balls-slamic” dressing. Nothing matched his laugh when he got tickled. He leaves behind a legacy of securely loved children and grandchildren who rest confidently in the knowledge that Pops is with his Lord Jesus.
Ron is survived by his adoring wife, Tena, who affectionately called him her “handsome man”; son, Kyle and wife, Christy; son, Layton and wife, Marin; daughter, Karen Steakley; daughter, Lacey Cole and husband, Braden; grandchildren, Kaiya Elizabeth Kolb, Kaid Gherald Kolb, twins, Aria Grace Kolb and Maverick Jase Kolb; Karsen Jayne Kolb; Stella Rose Steakley, William “Miller” Steakley, Jr., Leighton Locke Steakley; twins, Lucas Clyde Cole and Jackson Travis Cole, and Houston Ryan Cole; brothers, Harold “Ty” and wife, Delores; Philip and wife, Martha; Michael and wife, Ceci; and James and wife, Rita; his father-in-law, Gerald “Jerry” Pedigo and wife, Cheri; sisters-in law, Judy Lauesen and husband, Kevin; Pam Delk and husband, Chris; brother-in-law, Steve Pedigo and wife, Sheryl; and numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Ron is preceded in death by his first wife, Karen; twin brother, Donald; sister, Kyla Kolb Beckham; and parents, Harold and Jane Kolb; mother-in-law, Marty Sears; in-laws, Vernon and Kim Kimzey; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Kolb.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the wonderful, Godly caregivers who cared for Ron: Catherine, Kim, Monica, Ellen, Natasha, Kingsley, and Three Oaks Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gideon’s International or the Multiply Fund at First McKinney.
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,
will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ~ 1 Peter 5:10 ~