Ron was a 1967 graduate of Southwood High School, and received his Bachelors degree in Agriculture from Purdue University in 1971. He married Lavonne Veverka in Wabash, Indiana on August 24, 1969. Ron served in the Air Force Reserves. He farmed and worked in agriculture related roles including working for long time Lagro resident Bob Pefley. Ron was a pilot and often flew local executives on business trips. He then began a 25 year career working for the US Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. Ron spent many years as an elected member of the MSD School Board. He made an impact on many young lives as he coached the Wabash Little League Pirates for ten years. He also coached junior high girls’ basketball as well as coached JV softball with Kami at Northfield High School. Ron has shared his love for Jesus by serving on multiple Kairos Prison Ministry teams. He has spent countless hours visiting inmates and praying with men who are working to turn their lives around while in prison. His service in Lagro has included being an active member of the Lagro Lions Club. While in the Lions Club, Ron annually chaperoned young Lagro baseball players on a trip to watch a Chicago White Sox baseball game. Ron was a member of the Lagro United Methodist Church for over forty years. During this time Ron has served on numerous committees and volunteered for countless ways to serve within the church. Ron has been a member of the Lagro American Legion for many years, including serving in leadership roles.
He is survived by his wife, Lavonne Sparling of Lagro; two children, Kale Sparling of Gilbert, Arizona, and Kami (Scott) Ross of Lagro; four grandchildren, Chase and Noah Ross, both of Lagro, and Finn and Theo Sparling, both of Gilbert; brother, Craig (Monica) Sparling of Lagro; and his sister, Joyce Gentry of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, nephew Casey Sparling, and brother-in-law Bill Gentry.
Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Brian Chamberlain officiating. Burial will be in Lagro Cemetery. Friends may call 2-6 pm Saturday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Casey Sparling Memorial Scholarship Fund, Kairos Prison Ministry, or Lagro Canal Foundation.
The memorial guest book for Ron may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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