Ronald C. "Ron" Clevenger

Ronald “Ron” Claire Clevenger, 74, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 P.M., Friday, March 17, 2023, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa.

Ron was born Monday, April 26, 1948, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Melvin and Rosemary (Smith) Clevenger.

He was a lifelong Ottawa resident graduating from Ottawa High School with the class of 1966 and was selected as an inductee to the Ottawa High School Wall of Honor on September 12, 2008. In addition, he attended the Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia, Kansas, in 1968.

Ron was united in marriage to Linda Mietchen December 27, 1969, in Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of the home.

He began his career in printing in the mid 1960’s to the 2011’s working for Tallman Printing, later known as Ramsey Printing. In addition, he owned and operated Ron’s Studio, an award-winning photography studio in Ottawa. Ron also helped with Smoked Creations BBQ restaurant from 2010 to 2018.

Ron was a past president, life member of the Centurion Fellow of the Kansas Professional Photographers Association and one of only eight photographers to be recognized as a KPPA Kansas Distinguished Fellow. He dedicated a great deal of time serving as KPPA Past President’s taking care of the KPPA Membership chair, including the printing of the annual directory. Ron spent several years as the KPPA and KPPS Treasurer and served as Print Chair for many years. He was instrumental in designing and producing the KPPA f:stop newsletter and other printed materials. Ron became a KPPA life member in 1998, receiving the National PPA award in 1983 and again in 1995. He was the 1991 Past President, held the 1980 and 2013 KPPA Special Award, and all the KPPA Fellowship Service Awards with additional print and service bars. Ron was a trustee of the Kansas Professional Photographers school since 1996. He was also on the Kansas Professional Photographers Board helping put on a 4 State Convention. Ron was a member of the Heart of America Professional Photographers Association, where he served on the board of Directors since 1997 and as president between 2007 and 2009. He was a life member of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America and the Williamsburg Wildlife Club where he was also a former officer.

He loved being outdoors, motorcycle rides, and cooking. He especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents Melvin and Rosemary Clevenger.

Survivors include his wife, Linda; daughter, Angela Carpinella (Ron), of Atlanta, Georgia; sons, Jeff Clevenger (Kelly) of Blue Springs, Missouri, Jeremy Clevenger of Ottawa, Kansas; sister, Becky Raley (Mike) of Ottawa, brother, Mark Clevenger (Tish) also of Ottawa; grandchildren, Lauren Carpinella, Andrew Carpinella both of Atlanta, Georgia, and Mitchell Clevenger of Liberty, Missouri.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.