Ronald Wideman

Ron was born on May 9th, 1932, in Homer, Louisiana. He later moved to Shreveport where he attended Byrd High School. While there, Ron took an interest in sports and soon became captain of the football team. He helped lead his team to the state title in 1949. He also had a very successful career in track which led him to being offered a scholarship at Centenary College. After graduation, Ron entered Baylor Dental School where he met the love of his life, Bettye Steakley. They married in 1956. Following the wedding, Ron enlisted in the Army at the rank of Captain for a stint of 2 years. Afterwards, Ron and Bettye came back to Dallas where he started a thriving dental practice. He became the official dentist for the Dallas Texans, later the KC Chiefs, and taught at Baylor Dental School for four years. Soon following came four wonderful children who were his pride and joy.

Ron was very active in every church he attended. At Grace Bible Church, he served as the treasurer of the Deacons. At Highland Park Presbyterian Church, he served as a deacon and then as an elder. He was a founding elder at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in 1991. Besides church service, he found time to serve on the founding Board of Campus Crusade for Christ, and the Baylor Foundation Board. Ron not only served well but was known for his prayers. If he knew you, he probably prayed for you whether you knew it or not.

As a lover of sports, Ron became an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with his friends on the golf course. In his later years, it was not unusual for Ron to play 3 times a week.

After retirement, Ron was part of the pastoral care team for nine years at Baylor Hospital until a condition he had called ataxia prohibited him from continuing. Despite the physical difficulties from his illness, Ron exhibited courage, joy and a peace that came from trusting Jesus Christ as his Savior.

He is now seeing his parents, brothers, sister and his precious granddaughter Annie Ream. Those left to follow and carry on his legacy are his beloved wife, Bettye, son David Wideman and wife Susan, his daughters Kathy Wideman and Betsy Wideman Ream, and his son Craig Wideman and wife Wynne, his grandchildren, Matt Wideman and his wife Randi, Mandy Wideman Morgan and her husband Nathan, PJ and Sarah Ream, Will, Staley, and Parker Wideman and his great grandchildren, McKinley, Mercy, MJ, Macie, Caleb, Micah and Cooper, will someday join him in Heaven and “WHAT A DAY OF REJOICING THAT WILL BE.”

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, February 23, at 1:00 p.m., at Park Cities Presbyterian Church, 4124 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75219. A reception will immediately follow in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Park Cities Presbyterian Church.

A special thanks to his caregivers – Dorothy Jones, Allie Frazier, Yodit Gebrekidan and Melkam Desta.