Ronald R. Thompson

Ronald Ross Thompson, age 75 of Sylvania, died June 9, 2015 at Toledo Hospital. He was born July 16, 1939 in Toledo, Ohio to Mr. and Mrs. Olon (Frances) R. Thompson. He married Diane Jablonski on February 8, 1969 in Toledo. Ron worked at the Toledo Blade for 42-1/2 years as a printer where he retired in January of 2001. Before starting his apprenticeship at the newspaper, Ron worked at Krogers, Calvary Cemetery and LOF. He was a 1957 graduate of DeVilbiss High School. Ron also served for six years as a firefighter in the 180th Ohio Air National Guard. He was a member of McCord Road Christian Church. Ron's passion besides his family was tinkering with cars. He won the Ohio State Drag Finals at Glass City Dragway in 1958 and participated in the NHRA Nationals. He also raised African Cichlids (tropical fish) and shipped them around the country.

For several years, Ron volunteered at the clinic for Parkinson's disease on the UT Health Science campus. He also participated in two clinical trials. Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Diane; Sons, Mark Olon (Susan Supplee) of Linden, MI and Ryan Ross (Angie Keller); grandchildren; Madison, Ross and Tyler of Toledo. Also sisters, LuAnne Thompson of Muskego, WI and Carol Sue Kropidlowski (Frank) of Iola, WI and brother Harold Wayne Thompson of Toledo. He also had 6 nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by his parents, Olon and Frances Thompson and son, Douglas Lee.

The family will receive guests on Monday, June 15, 2015 from 4 – 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300). A Celebration of Life will take place Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at McCord Road Christian Church, 4765 N. McCord Rd., Sylvania. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Gardner McMaster Parkinson Center, Attn: Julia Spears, 3000 Arlington Ave., MS1083, Toledo, Ohio 43614.