Ronald John Kaplon

Ronald John Kaplon, beloved husband, dad, brother, and friend went to be with his Lord on June 19, 2013. He was surrounded by his loving family as he entered into God's Kingdom after a courageous battle with cancer. Ron was preceded in death by his father, John Andrew Kaplon, and nephew, David Miller. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Vicki Lyons Kaplon; son, John William Kaplon and wife, Heather; daughter Kristen Elizabeth Kaplon; mother, Helen Kaplon; brother, Patrick Kaplon and wife, Beverly; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jerri and Mike Miller, Becky and Lenny Carroll; nieces and nephews, Emily Kaplon, Holly Fleenor, Charity Foster, Hope Bonner, Paul Miller, Mark Miller, Ashton, Ella, and Briley Miller, Jerry Fleenor, and many loving friends whom he considered family. Ron's faith was the most important focus in his life, along with being a great spiritual leader to his family and friends. Being the instigator of fun, Ron was always looking for opportunities to get friends and family together. He enjoyed the outdoors, Razorback games, and fishing, but most of all vacationing with loved ones. His children were his proudest accomplishments. He loved being involved in all of their activities, especially coaching and watching John and Kristen play sports. Ron grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas where he attended St. Patrick's School. He then went on to graduate from his beloved Alma Mater, Catholic High School for Boys, where he was not only educated in academics but also in the qualities needed to be a good Christian man. Ron graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from Memphis State University. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 32 years. As the Manager of the Little Rock Systems Support Center, he enjoyed his job but more importantly his coworkers, whom he always considered part of his family. To his children's friends, he was known as "Big Daddy Ron," or "BDR." If you were to ask anyone what Ron's best quality was, it would have been his ability to put a smile on the faces of others. He loved watching his beloved Razorbacks, maybe just a little too much considering the whole neighborhood could usually hear the game as well. His big booming laugh will radiate in the hearts of everyone who knew him. A visitation for Ron will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2013 at North Little Rock Funeral Home on Main Street. A Rosary Service will follow at 7 p.m. The Celebration of Ron's life and Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock. He will be laid to rest at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery among his family and friends. The family would like to express their love and thanks to the caring staff at Hematology Oncology Services of Arkansas, especially Dr. Brad Baltz. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff of the Oncology Unit at St. Vincent's Hospital in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Catholic High School for Boys in memory of Ron Kaplon. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.