Ronald Owen La Porte passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on September 16, 1937, in Lacey, Oklahoma, to Lester and Jewell La Porte.

A lifelong baseball enthusiast, Ron was a pitcher during his student years in Enid, Oklahoma, and continued in that role while serving in the U.S. Army for 24 months. He earned his B.A. from Phillips University, where he met Catherine, and later obtained his M.S. while teaching in Kansas. After a career in education in Colorado and Kansas, Ron joined the 3M Company in 1968, eventually relocating to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1984 before retiring in 1998. He was deeply committed to supporting youth, serving for many years as the Alaska American Legion Baseball Commissioner.

In 2010, Ron and his family moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, where he continued to enjoy golf, hunting, and baseball. His life was defined by a steadfast belief in faith, hope, love, and mercy. He served as an Elder at First Christian Church in Anchorage and contributed to numerous committees at Highland Christian Church in Bella Vista.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to the nurses and caregivers who provided Ron with compassionate care.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 64 years, Catherine; his children, Bryce and wife, Valentina, and Todd; and his grandchildren, Stephanie and husband, Jon, Madeleine, and Wilson.

A celebration of life will be on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Christian Church, 1500 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Highland Christian Church or to American Legion Baseball in Anchorage, Alaska, at https://www.alaskalegionbaseball.com .