Ronald D. Wiley, 86, of Polk died Thursday, October 22 at home with family by his side following a brief period of declining health due to cancer. He was born July 21, 1934 in Ashland to Clair T. and Helen (McFadden) Wiley. He graduated from Polk High School in 1952. The following year he began working for Fenton Construction Company, later Sarver Paving Company, retiring in 1996. He loved his job as a skilled heavy equipment operator.
Ron was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1957 and served in active duty as a medic from 1957 to 1959 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and Fort Meade, Maryland. He was recognized as the Honor Graduate of the 2nd Army’s first Non-commissioned Officer’s Academy at Fort Meade in 1958.
On January 28, 1956 Ron married the former Sally Humrichouser of Rowsburg and together they raised their family in Polk. He is survived by his wife Sally, son Craig, son Scott and his wife Katy, grandson Kyle, sister Shirley Roby, sister-in-law Peggy Denholm, numerous nieces and nephews, and his family’s beloved pet pugs Archie and Iggy. He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant granddaughter Kaitlin Wiley.
Ron was a dedicated, loving family patriarch and he also remained an active, unselfish worker in all his endeavors well into his 80s. He was a lifelong member of the Polk United Methodist Church, a 57-year member of the Polk Lions Club and recipient of the Melvin Jones Honorary Fellowship. He was a 60-year member and Past Master of Sullivan Masonic Lodge #313, F&AM; member of Ashland Blue Lodge Council #128-Royal & Select Masons of Ohio; and Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, King Cyrus Chapter #207. He was a Life member of Garfield Chapter #324, Order of the Eastern Star, West Salem, where he served eight times as Worthy Patron, and a member of The Order of the Amaranth, Court #42 in Ashland.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, October 27 from 5 to 7 pm at Fickes Funeral Home in Jeromesville with Masonic Services following. The funeral will be Wednesday, October 28 at 11 am at the Polk United Methodist Church with calling hours one hour prior to the service. Pastor Garland Harvey will officiate, assisted by John Humrichouser. Burial with military honors will follow at the Polk Cemetery.
Donations in Ron’s memory may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1021 Dauch Drive, Ashland, Ohio, 44805.
Online condolences may be made at www.fickesfuneralhome.com.
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