Paul Ronald “Ronnie” Mankin

Ronnie Mankin
Ronnie Mankin

Paul Ronald Mankin of Amarillo, Texas passed away on Wednesday June 8th, 2022.

Celebration of life service will be held at 2pm on Monday June 20th at First Baptist Church, Amarillo.

Paul Ronald Mankin was born on November 14, 1944, to Earl Melton Mankin and Esther Jane Harris Mankin in Dallas, Texas. Soon after birth, Ronnie’s family moved to Coleman, Texas where he was raised with his brother Donald and sisters Betty and Delta Sue Mankin. Growing up, Ronnie loved sports more than a little bit and his athletic prowess was evident from an early age. From 1951 to 1963, Ronnie attended school in Coleman.

After graduating from Coleman High School, Ronnie went to West Texas State University on a full ride football scholarship under the direction of Head Coach Joe Kerbal. From the very start of his college football career, Ronnie left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His coaches and teammates would all agree that Ronnie had just one speed – wide open. As Frank A. Godsoe wrote in his column in the October 19, 1965 Amarillo Globe Newspaper, “the West Texas State team doesn’t have a more fascinating individual nor is there a more popular player on the squad”.  Ronnie truly was #11 in your program, and #1 in your heart. Ronnie would later be inducted into the WT Football Hall of Champions in September of 2001.

Ronnie graduated from West Texas State in 1968 and became a Graduate Assistant for the football program under Coach Kerbal. Ronnie was drafted into the United States Army later that year. After his basic training, Ronnie served in the 546th Personnel Service Department at Fort Hood, Texas until his release in the summer of 1970. Ronnie’s patriotism and love for his country was evident throughout his entire life. During Ronnie’s service, his first son, Michael Robert Mankin, was born on March 24th, 1970. Ronnie returned to West Texas State that summer to complete his degree and served as a Graduate Assistant Football Coach. He graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in 1972 and became the backfield coach for head coach Gene Mayfield. While Ronnie coached at West Texas State, his second son, Ronald Mark Mankin, was born on October 18, 1975.

After leaving West Texas State in 1976, Ronnie worked for various insurance companies until he finally joined State Farm Insurance in 1980. He would go on to be an extremely successful agent and remain there until his retirement in June of 2021.

Ronnie lived life with the throttle mashed all the way down until he married the love of his life, Nena Spicer, on September 1st, 2000. Ronnie and Nena absolutely completed each other, and it was clear that they had both finally met their true counterpart and best friend. Ronnie welcomed a stepdaughter, Kylee Veazey, with open arms and he took fatherhood in stride becoming her true dad.

As a father, Ronnie was always there for his children. Ronnie was firm and had high expectations for manners, respectfulness, and achievements; while at the same time being supportive, exceptionally caring, and full of love. Ronnie taught his children everything that made him the amazing man he was: to Live Big, love fiercely, respect everyone, and never take no for an answer.

Ronnie was many things to many people: a wonderful husband, dad, father-in-law, granddad, and friend. But the role he flourished in most was ‘Granddad’ to Michael Brock Mankin, Katherine Belle Mankin, Rylee Jo Mankin, and Cooper James Mankin. From chasing cows to playing Chicken Batter in the backyard, Ronnie never ceased to go above and beyond to show his grandchildren how much he loved them. Every time he told them farewell, he always had to sneak a little cash into their hands.

Throughout his life, Ronnie sought out ways to help others and make his community a better place. This was clearly shown through his generosity and involvement in the Ronald McDonald House, Coors Cowboy Club, Coors Ranch Rodeo, Another Chance House, and the 100 Club, just to name a few.

Ronnie had a servant’s heart, which was a true reflection of his faith and personal relationship with Christ. On June 12th, 2020, Ronnie accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Amarillo. This act has left those who love our Big Guy with peace in our hearts, as it solidified that this is not goodbye, but see you at Supper Time.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Esther Mankin, his brother, Donald Mankin, and sisters Betty Hosch and Delta Sue Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Nena, son Mike Mankin of Houston, TX, son Mark Mankin and wife Samantha of Elizabeth, CO, and daughter Kylee Veazey, of Boston, MA; four grandchildren, Brock Mankin, Katherine Mankin, Rylee Mankin, and Cooper Mankin.

Honorary pallbearers are Coors Cowboy Club members and West Texas State Football teammates.

Pallbearers include: Brock Mankin, Vance Reed, Todd Mayfield, Richard McFarland, Tony Harper, Terry Funk, and Bucky Wood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Another Chance House of Amarillo or 100 Club of Amarillo.

A reception in Ronnie’s honor will be held following the service at the Coors Cowboy Club, 3301 SE 10th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79104.

“He has a grin that would be difficult for a plastic surgeon to remove.” – Frank A. Godsoe on Ronnie’s disposition.

16 Replies to “Paul Ronald “Ronnie” Mankin”

  1. Nena- I’m so sorry to hear about Ronnie’s death. You always spoke so positively about him & your relationship. I know that you will truly miss him.

  2. I am so sorry your family has suffered this loss. Ronnie was a good friend of my late ex-husband Terry and always took such good care of us through his insurance business, even up through and after Terry’s passing. I can easily imagine the great care he took of his family and the joy he received in doing it. Thank you for sharing Ronnie with his friends through the years.

  3. RIP good buddy! Thanks for being a good friend all these years. We had to many good times to list. I will be thinking of you this Monday. Wish I could be there! See you on the other side. Love you. Clyde Dog.

  4. Jo and I send our condolences to all the Mankin family in the loss of Ronnie. We pray for comfort for all of you.

  5. Jo and I send our condolences to all the Mankin family in the loss of Ronnie. We pray for comfort for all of you.

  6. There is No Night Without a Dawning

    No winter without a spring
    And beyond the dark horizon
    Our hearts will once more sing ….
    For those who leave us for a while
    Have only gone away
    Out of a restless, care worn world
    Into a brighter day

    Helen Steiner Rice

  7. Nena…you are in my thoughts daily. I am sending thoughts and prayers of strength your way on the daily….remember to be good to you.

  8. Ronnie was the best of teammates on the WT Buffalo’s teams of ’63 and ’64. It is sad to have him pass, but he was such a man during his days on this earth. Ronnie, get them organized up there!!

  9. I’m so sorry to hear about Ronnie! I’ve waited on him for years at Goldenlight, but in the last year, he joined a group of guys that came in every Friday. He would also bring along, Terry Funk, and I always loved seeing them come in. Ronnie and the rest of the group are always a pleasure to wait on. I will miss his smile! Prayers to all of the family during this time!

  10. To the family, I’m so sorry for your big loss. Ronnie was a heck of good neighbor who always gave me grief. I knew right off that I liked him. He made me smile. We shared a dislike for yard work but he was there when Nena really needed help, although he kind of acted embarrassed if I caught him in the act. He was kind hearted and I’ll miss him but I know he’s with his Lord and Savior.

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