Ronald James Vicars, 82, of McAlester, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at his home in McAlester.

The family will welcome friends for visitation on Sunday, August 9, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 10, at 10:00 a.m. at Life Church in McAlester, with his son, Jonathan Vicars, and Pastor Terren Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Memorial Park.  Pallbearers are Carter Shields, Jeff Martin, Dillon Vicars, Trevor Chancellor, Travis Chancellor, and Billy Vicars.

Ron Vicars was born on December 7, 1943, in Lodi, California, to Fred and Gladys (Shores) Vicars. His family moved to the McAlester area and settled in the Ash Creek community when he was young, and Ron lived there virtually his entire life. He married Sharon DeGraffenried on February 8, 1964, in Poteau, and they made their home in McAlester.

Ron was a gifted and versatile craftsman who used his talents in many different professions throughout his life. He and his brother operated Bill and Ronnie's Body Shop for several years, which eventually led Ron into a career as an insurance investigator. He also worked in construction and was exceptionally skilled in carpentry. In 1988, Ron and Sharon opened Vicars Furniture in McAlester, a business that continues to serve the community today.

After retiring, Ron devoted himself to his lifelong love of horses, training Missouri Fox-Trotters and mentoring riders. There wasn't much that Ron couldn't do. Above all else, Ron was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ whose faith guided every decision he made. His greatest legacy is the love of Christ he faithfully lived out before his family every single day.

Ron is survived by his children, Shelly Otis and husband Mark, Carla Shields, Dustin Vicars, and Jonathan Vicars and wife Stephanie; his grandchildren, Jeffrey Martin and wife Sarah, Heather Barchenger, Carter Shields and wife Renae, Catherine Shields, Dillon Vicars, Kenzie Vicars, Addison Vicars, and Avery Vicars; his great-grandchildren, Travis Chancellor, Trevor Chancellor, Allie Martin, Doss Martin, Charli Robertson, Parker Robertson, Ben Shields, and Luna Shields; his sisters, June Hunt and Betty Saunders; his sister-in-law, Gina Vicars of Pottsboro, Texas; and Roger's children, Ashlee Vicars, Marissa Vicars Wise, and Ryan Vicars, who remained a cherished part of Ron's extended family and held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon, in 2015; his brothers, Eddie, Bill, and Roger; and his sons-in-law, Chris Shields and Charles Barchenger. The family also extends a special thank you to his devoted caregiver, Tammy Bethune.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Daniel Banda Orphanage through Life Church in memory of Ron Vicars.