Ronald W Wilson

Ronald (Ron) Warner Wilson passed away peacefully at his home on April 12, 2021, after several years of fighting cancer.  His wife of nearly 65 years, Eileen E. (Klemm) Wilson, preceded him in death in 2015. Ron was born on July 8, 1928, the second son of Paul M. and Melva Belle (Culler) Wilson.  He was a lifelong Ravenna resident and civic supporter.  After graduating from Ravenna High School in 1946, he spent his entire professional career as a commercial banker at the First National Bank of Ravenna, which later merged with BancOne.  Ron and Eileen married in Ravenna in 1950 on his birthday.  He was a proud, decorated U.S. Army veteran, serving two years in the Republic of South Korea during the war as part of the United Nations forces there (1953-1954).  As a sergeant, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal by the Secretary of the Army for “Meritorious Operations Against the Enemy.”  Ron was a supporter of numerous local civic endeavors.  An avid horseman, he was an original member and deputy of the Portage Country Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol.  In 1957, together with Sheriff Ross Jamerson and the Mounted Patrol, he and Eileen founded the annual Portage County Charity Horse Show, which they managed together for more than 50 years held at Sun Beau Valley Farm.  He owned numerous award-winning horses over the years, including Ohio state grand champion, “Pal O. M. Thunder.”  Ron continued showing horses up until the COVID pandemic hit last year. 

Ron was active in many local charities and events.  He and Eileen were awarded the Ravenna Chamber of Commerce Raven Award for Outstanding Community Service and in 1998 were co-grand marshals of the annual Ravenna Balloon A-Fair Parade.  Until his death, Ron was also a member of the Ravenna Zoning Board of Appeals and the First United Methodist Church of Ravenna.  An avid dog lover and owner, he also raised Great Danes and German Shepherds.  In addition to his wife, Eileen, Ron is preceded in death by his parents and older brother Paul M. Wilson.  Survivors in his immediate family include his brother, Walter S. (Dorothy) Wilson, and eight nieces and nephews: Linda (Dennis) Anderson; Nancy Pryatel; Lori (Rick) Jacek; Karen Johnson: Janet (Bruce) Hartley; Scott (Lisa Pfeilsticker) Wilson; Bruce (Lynne) Wilson; and Greg (Beejay) Wilson. His nephews Steve (Rosemary) Wilson and Bill Flinn also preceded him in death.  Calling hours will be on Saturday April 17th from 9:30 - 10:30am followed by a service at the Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Home Ravenna, OH.  Burial will follow the service at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ravenna, OH.  Anyone wishing to donate in Ron’s memory is encouraged to make one to either the Hattie Larlham Foundation, 9772 Diagonal Road, Mantua, Ohio 44255 (www.hattielarlham.org) or the Portage Animal Protective League, 8122 Infirmary Road, Ravenna, OH 44266.  Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.

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