Ronald Davis

Ronald Charles Davis (1938-2025)

Ronald C. Davis, a dedicated husband and father, passed away at home surrounded by his family on January 14, 2025. Ron was born on the family farm on August 14, 1938. He was the youngest of nine siblings to Arthur and Lillian Kopfmann-Davis. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his son, James Davis.

Surviving is his wife, Judith (Dittman) Davis. Ron and Judy were married on May 7, 1966, and shared a partnership for over 58 years.

Ron is also survived by his two daughters, Wendy (Chris) Keller and Melissa (Robert) Groweg; along with his six grandchildren: Kaitlyn Davis; Matthew and Michael Keller; Grace, Jacob and Shane Groweg.

Ron Graduated from Gibsonburg High School in 1957. He enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball during his high school career.

Ron's legacy started by growing up his family's dairy farm, which led him to spend his life building and expanding it. That legacy went on to provide the foundation on which his children and grandchildren are passionate about carrying on the tradition of the family farm into future generations.

Ron was a lifelong aficionado of speed. That included his love of Corvettes, motorcycles or his beloved Cessna 172D aircraft. He was a licensed pilot and a former member of the Portage Flying Club.

As a hobby, Ron invested in oil leases around the county to fund projects on the farm, or in his terms - making beer money. This was an endearing term considering his absolute dislike for beer.

Ron was a man that loved practical jokes. One of his favorite things to do of that nature was "buzzing" fellow farmers in the field with his airplane, despite the occasional presence of birds or treetops.

Ron loved sharing his home and hosted many class reunions, family reunions and fire department parties throughout his life.

Ron was deeply committed to Madison Township-Gibsonburg Volunteer Fire Department. Joining the department in 1970, Ron proudly served as an active member for 50 years before retiring. Ron also served as Assistant Fire Chief for 25 years from 1985 to 2010 before resigning from officer status. Proudly serving the fire department and community with dedication was a force he loved and believed in.

Visitation will take place Friday, January 17, 2025 from 5-7P.M. at Herman-Veh Funeral Home, 319 W. Madison Street, Gibsonburg with Firefighter services at 7:00P.M. Additional visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Saint Michael Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will begin at the church at 11:00 A.M. Msgr. Tad Oxley will officate. Burial will follow at West Union Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Madison Township-Gibsonburg Volunteer Fire Department.

Ron's legacy will be remembered through the countless lives he touched, and his family will deeply miss his guidance, wisdom, and love.