Ronny Max LaQuey, O.D., F.A.A.O., (July 13, 1940 - Jan. 27, 2024) Duncan, OK

Ronny Max LaQuey, O.D., F.A.A.O., was ushered into the presence of God on January 27, 2024. Born on July 13, 1940, at Patterson Hospital in Duncan, Oklahoma, the youngest of six children born to Tennie Howard (Jack) LaQuey and Ollie Mae Poteet LaQuey.

Funeral services are planned for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the First Baptist Church with pastor Bryan Pain officiating. Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Whitt Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers are Michael Ivey, Jr., Ben Williams, Collin Smith, Roland Lemke, Josh Jamison, Nicholas Faustner, Matt Eads, Scott Stephens, Phil LaQuey, and David Sink.

Honorary pallbearers: Wayne Williams, Dr. Richard Swales, Dr. Don Diehl, Dr. Russell Laverty, Dee Chasteen, Mark Murphree, Mark Cantales.

Ronny Max attended Empire School and Duncan Public School while graduating in 1958. He worked as a high school student at Jones supermarket and later as a carpenter helper for his brother, Howard, in Dallas, Texas. Realizing his need for higher education, he went to drafting school in Ft. Worth, Texas. He attended Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma pursuing a path toward an Optometry Degree. On July 14, 1961, he married Virginia L. Ledbetter in Duncan, celebrating 62 years. In 1963, he was accepted to the University of Houston and completed his Doctor of Optometry in 1967. The same year he joined the practice of Dr. G.G. Howe, in Duncan, later becoming a partner and formed Optometry Clinic Inc. in August 1975.

Dr. LaQuey practiced optometry from August 1967 to 2022 and was recognized as a member of the American Optometric Association for 60 years. Dr. LaQuey served in various leadership roles such as president of Duncan Jaycees in 1970 and was named outstanding Jaycee in 1974. In 1981, while serving as President of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, legislation was passed that expanded the scope of practice and included diagnostic and prescriptive privileges. Oklahoma has served as a model for legislation for other states.

In 1994, Dr. LaQuey was admitted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Optometry. At that time, only 10% of the practicing optometrists in the United States and Canada were Academy Fellows. He joined Vision Source in 1995, an independent group of optometrists, and continued his commitment to providing excellence in vision care.

He loved listening to life stories, camping, fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends. He had a lifelong passion for photography. He especially loved going to the Wichita Wildlife Refuge to take pictures, hike, and enjoy the grandeur of the mountains.

Survived by wife, Virginia L. (Ledbetter) LaQuey and daughters, Alesia G. Williams husband Wayne Williams, Donna R. LaQuey-Smith, Karen K. Lemke and husband Roland; eight grandchildren: Sarah Ivey, Rachel Sink and husband David, D. Michael Ivey, Jr. and wife Hailey, Collin Smith and wife Ashley, Alexandra Lemke, Meredith Lemke, Ben Williams and wife, Lois, and Whitney Williams. He has eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; one surviving sister-in-law, Rowena LaQuey. He is preceded in death by his father, Jack and mother, Ollie Mae; his brothers, Howard, Melvin, and Joe; and sisters, Pat and W. Yvona.

Online condolences may be made at www.whittfh.com.