NEW PALESTINE
Ronald Gene Wilson, Sr., age 87, of New Palestine, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2020 at Hancock Regional Hospital. He was born in Clay City, Indiana on May 6, 1933 to Ralph and Margaret (Shawecker) Wilson. He graduated from Linton High School in 1951 and received his masters in education from Indiana State University. Mr. Wilson served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Ronald married Joretta Z. (McDonald) on June 4, 1955.
He was a teacher at Beech Grove Schools for many years. Ronald was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters. He enjoyed coaching wrestling, tennis, and many other sports. He also loved to read all the time. Ronald cherished spending time with his family.
Ronald is survived by his sons, Ron (Donna) Wilson of New Palestine and Scott (Tammy) Wilson of Indianapolis; five grandchildren, Shawn (Melissa) Wilson of Shelbyville, Joseph Wilson of Indianapolis, Kora Wilson of Indianapolis, Krista Wilson of Colorado; and Liz Garofao; step-granddaughter, Talena (Chad) Huntsman; step-grandsons, Ty Webb and Austin Webb; eight grandchildren, Logan, Benjamin, MiKayla, MacKenzie, Shawn, Baylie, Megan, and Killian; nine great great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sondra Koontz of Linton, IN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Margaret Wilson; wife, Joretta Wilson; brother, William Wilson; sister-in-law, Evelyn; grandson, Sam.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A private funeral service will be held for the family. Burial will take place at New Palestine Cemetery in New Palestine with military rites presented. As a reminder, masks are required in public indoor spaces and please practice social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to the American Cancer Society, 5635 W. 96th Street Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278 or Indiana Parkinson’s Foundation, 14350 Mundy Drive Suite 800 #181, Noblesville, IN 46060. Envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
