A memorial service for Ronald Eugene Smirl, 77, of Ninnekah, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, in the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel.

Ronald Eugene Smirl was born November 4, 1948, in Okarche, Oklahoma, to Harold Eugene Smirl and Edmee Elaine (Jackson) Smirl. He passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Ron grew up in El Reno, Oklahoma and graduated from El Reno High School in 1967. He was one of the original “Burger Boys” who worked for Otis Bruce and Johnnie Siler at Johnnie’s Grill of El Reno. He liked to tease Marty Hall, who established Sid’s Onion Burgers, that he taught him everything he knows. He then attended drafting school in Oklahoma City for a short time and was hired by the El Reno Cemetery to clear up some records.

In 1968, he was hired by the Rock Island Railroad as a fireman, however during this time he received his draft notice, joined the Navy and saw the world. He served honorably from December 1968 to November 1972. He made two cruises, one around the world and the other across the Pacific Ocean to China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. He earned the title of “Shellback,” a sailor who has crossed the equator. He also received his “Golden Shellback,” a rare occurrence meaning a sailor who crossed the international dateline and equator simultaneously. This was not merely ceremonial but a marker of camaraderie, resilience and enduring spirit of the sea. He served on the ships USS Enterprise and USS Shangri-La, working on the flight deck.

Following the Navy, he returned to the Rock Island Railroad as a locomotive engineer until it’s closing. Between railroad jobs, he worked as a photographer for J.C. Penney’s Photography Studio, and he was a landman for Breckheisen Oil and Gas.

In 1983, Ron went to work for the OKT Railroad out of Herrington, Kansas before returning to Chickasha, Oklahoma to work with Union Pacific Railroad, finishing his career with them in 1997. During this time, he served as Local Chairman for DIV 523 for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and also serving as the OK State BLE Legislative Representative. He enjoyed representing his “brothers” and getting those “knuckleheads” out of trouble! It has been said, “he was always fair.”

In 1996, he was asked to run the Olympic Train from Wichita, Kansas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, carrying dignitaries, civilians, and the Olympic Torch.

Ron married the love of his life and best friend, Michelle Reaves, in September 1982 and they enjoyed 43 devoted years, taking the marriage vows to heart. The early years were filled with camping, fishing and many adventures until prayers were answered and a son, Joseph Matthew “Joe,” was born, their pride and joy. The little family would continue the traditions of camping, fishing and traveling. They especially enjoyed Red River, New Mexico, where many, many memories were made.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Harold Smirl; mother, Elaine Smirl; sister, Velva Davis; brother-in-law, Lloyd Davis; nephew, Brian Davis; and close friend, David Wright.

Loved ones left to cherish his memory are his wife, Michelle, of the home; son and daughter-in-law Joseph and Natalie Smirl; sister Shirley Pope and husband Ron; sister Rachael Turner; mother-in-law Judith Reaves; sister-in-law Shannon Cunningham and husband Ernie; brother-in-law Eric Reaves and wife Kelly; numerous nieces and nephews; faithful dog, Dixie; and other extended family and friends.

To honor Ron, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gary Sinise Foundation for Veterans at www.garysinisefoundation.org/ or to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/

The cremation arrangements, service and inurnment, held at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma, will be under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.