Ronald Dane Elsmore

Ronald Dane Elsmore

September 29,1931—August 3,2019  (age 87)

Ronald Dane Elsmore, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, passed away August 3, 2019 at his home.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at Eagle Point National Cemetery on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 1:00 pm.

Ron was born September 29, 1931 in Brockton, Massachusetts to Vance and Edith (Rogers) Elsmore.  He grew up in South Boston, where he attended Thomas Hart Junior High School, and graduated from South Boston High School in 1951.  While in high school, he was a Boston School Cadet, achieving the rank of 2nd lieutenant in the 13th regiment.

In 1952, Ron entered the United States Air Force, beginning air cadet training in March of 1953 at Harlingen Air Force base, Texas.  He then advanced to radar observer school at James Connally Air Force base, Waco, Texas, where he received his wings and a commission as a second lieutenant.  Following a short tour with the 437th squadron at Otis Air Force base in Barnstable County, Mass, First Lieutenant Elsmore was assigned to Westover Air Force base in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

He married Patricia Travers, of East Falmouth, Mass., and they welcomed their firstborn son, Ron Jr, on Christmas day, 1955.

A daughter followed, Barbara Ann in January 1957.

In 1958 Ron was assigned to Dhahran Air field, Saudi Arabia for one year.

After attending navigator upgrading school at Mather Air Force base, Sacramento, California, He was assigned to the elite 13th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Glasgow, Montana.  He was a radar observer, flying in the F-101B Voodoo, a 1,200 mph interceptor.  The 13th was the only squadron in the Central Air Defense Force operational at that time.  The two-seat fighter required the radar observer, Captain Elsmore, to operate electronic equipment, enabling the Voodoo to seek out and destroy an invading enemy in any weather conditions.  The Voodoo was considered, at that time, to be the country’s most potent operational air defense weapon.  It’s blistering speed, 50,000 foot plus altitude capability and awesome array of firepower, made the Voodoo a poised threat to any intruder into US or Canadian skies.

He later had an assignment in Japan and flew missions in East Asia.

He transferred to the 322nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, Oregon in September 1963.

In 1970, While stationed at Mather Air Force base, Sacramento, California, Ron married Gladys (Gigi) Parks.  She presented him with a son, Craig Scott, in February 1971.

Ron also acted as step-father to her children during their marriage: Andy, Russell, Linda and Kathy.

Ron received a faithful and honorable Retirement from the US Air Force on May 1st, 1972

After retirement, Ron enrolled at Oregon Institute of Technology.  He received an Accounting degree, working as an accountant in the years following.

Ron Volunteered with Civil Air Patrol, and was a long-time member of Exchange Club.

Ron enjoyed woodworking, auto repair, boating, road trips, camping, and the wildlife around his home.  He passed away with a smile on his face, doing what he enjoyed. (feeding the birds and deer in his yard)

He is survived by his three children, Ron Jr (Sharon), Barbara and Craig; his grandchildren, Tracy (Keith), Kristin, Melanie (Josh), Daniel, Hannah, Rylie and Braden; great-grandchildren, Davis, Benton, Paige and Dean; his brother, Linton, and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers; Forrest, Bernard, Lee and Wayne.