Ron Reford

Brooks

Ron Reford Brooks, a lifelong horseman and proud veteran, passed away peacefully at his home on July 5, 2026, at the age of 87.

Ron was born January 24, 1939, in Blanchard, OK one of seven children born to B.W. “Dub” and Edith Brooks. Ron graduated from Blanchard High School in 1957. Like all of the Brooks boys he possessed a deep love for sports and played football for the Blanchard Lions. Soon after graduating, Ron enlisted in the US Army. Shortly after returning to civilian life, Ron enrolled at Central State University in Edmond, OK and earned a degree in Education. He taught and coached football for a short period but returned to his true passion working with horses. He transitioned into a lifelong career training racehorses. The racing circuit had him traveling from New Mexico, Nebraska, Iowa and the state of Oklahoma. During this time, he married and was blessed with a son, Ronnie Brooks.

Later in life Ron met Donna Bilyeu. The two fell in love and married then made their home in Blanchard. While continuing his passion for training racehorses, Ron also drove a school bus for Blanchard Schools. When Donna became ill, he took care of her until she passed in 2013.

Following the passing of Donna, he chose to move to Enid to be closer to his son Ronnie and his family. While in Enid, he became involved at the Senior Citizen Center often volunteering to transport others that couldn’t drive themselves. Ron loved to tell stories about the good ‘ole days. Even though he lived in Enid, he always said Blanchard would always be his home. He will be missed by all who knew him, especially his little sister, Shirley, to whom he shared a special bond.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dub and Edith Brooks, his wife Donna, siblings: Orlan, Raymond, Donald, and Dwain, sisters-in-law: Cecelia, Norma and Ruth Ann.

He is survived by his son Ronnie Brooks and wife Nicole, granddaughter Addison all of Enid, siblings: Roy Brooks and wife Connie, Shirley Southard and husband Dick all of Blanchard, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will be hosting a memorial service to be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, July 17, 2026, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Blanchard, OK.