Ronald Paul Tankersley

Ronald Paul Tankersley, 73, of Gaston Oregon died at home on July 26, 2011. He was born on November 28,1937 in Knox County, Texas to Paul Tankersley and Darlene Moore. During high school, he worked the "dance floor" of oil rigs and on the family ranch to save money. Some of Ron's fondest memories as a young boy were on the ranch with his dad Paul, and grandpa Bige Tankersley. After graduating Odessa High in 1956, he married Elizabeth Jane Torres.
The couple moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico, had their first child, then moved out west "to live the American dream." In 1959, they settled on Pumpkin Ridge Road in North Plains, OR, so Ron could be a farmer just like his TV hero "Sky King." Within a few years Ron established himself in the community as written about in the Argus in 1967 as 'Tankersley Field,' one of the top producing acreages in the county. He also learned how to fly, becoming a member of the International Flying Farmers Assn., just like "Sky King."
Ron believed strongly in community service and was part of the Organized Police Dept. of North Plains. He loved his airplane and motorcycle. He would often wake his children at 4:30am and say, "Get up! We get to go to work!" His life was filled with perseverance, determination, grace, and dignity. More than anything, he loved his family and he never met a stranger. God gave Ron a large, childlike and compassionate heart. Ron had a smile that could light up any room.
As farming took a downturn, Ron began processing his own crops and marketing them domestically and overseas in the fresh market and frozen food industry. He was heard often to say, "Now those berries need that sweet sugar rain you only get in Oregon to be the best."
Ron is survived by Elizabeth Jane Tankersley, former wife, North Plains OR; Valire Tankersley - Seeley, daughter, Gaston OR; Holly Tankersley, son, North Plains OR; Darla Andrew, daughter, North Plains OR; Beverly Tankersley, daughter, North Plains OR; Daniel Tankersley, son, Beaverton OR, twelve grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Bob, Jerry, and Bobby Paul Tankersley; and sister, Betty Martin.
The service will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 11:00 am at Donelson Fir Lawn Memorial Center, 1070 West Main St., Hillsboro, OR, 97123 and officiated by Ron's cousins, Gary Tankersley and Wayne Harlan. Burial will follow at Old Scotch Church.
Memorial contributions to - Medical Teams International P. O. Box 10, Portland, OR 97207 or Pregnancy Resource Centers of Portland, 7931 NE Halsey #100, Portland, OR 97213