Ronald C. Born

Ronald Cleatus Born, age 75, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 28, 2018. All who knew him understood the word “Home” was a central theme in his life. Home meant many things to him, from his hometown of Kenton, OH to his favorite chair in his home. Most of all, it represented a concept of peace and happiness that blessed him throughout his life. A native of Kenton, OH, he was born on August 12, 1942 to Cleatus and Vera (Buller) Born. He married his High School Sweetheart, Janet (Beach), at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dola, OH in 1961 and they remained married for over 57 years until his passing. He was a graduate of Kenton High School and attended Ohio Northern University and Bowling Green State University. He served and was honorably discharged from the Ohio Army National Guard. He fulfilled his dream of being a career law enforcement officer by graduating from the Ohio Highway Patrol Academy on June 10, 1966. Prior to graduating from the Academy, he served as a Cadet Dispatcher at the Findlay and Lima, Ohio posts, and after graduation as a Patrolman was assigned again to the Findlay, Ohio post. While stationed at Findlay, he was elected as President for the Fraternal Order of Police. He served three consecutive terms. In 1975, he moved to Perrysburg, OH when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was transferred to the Walbridge Post. He served the remainder of his career at Walbridge until retirement in 1997. His career highlights include multiple “ACE” awards for stolen vehicle recovery and apprehension, and Superintendent’s Citation of Merit for heroic actions. Upon his retirement, he accepted a position as Instructor and Commander at Owens Community College Police Academy where he passed on his knowledge and experience to his students for the next 13 years. His dedication to the youth of the community was further evidenced by over 45 years of volunteering with Boy Scouts. For many of these years, he served as Advancement Chairman, and his Boards of Review are legendary to those who have advanced through the Scouting ranks at Troop 198 in Perrysburg. He was a lifelong Mason. As a teen, he was active in DeMolay, and was a Past Master at his home lodge, #227 F. & A.M. Masonic Lodge in Findlay, OH. He was a member of the Valley of Toledo Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and was a 32nd degree Mason with the Zenobia Shrine of Toledo. Ron was a lifelong model railroad enthusiast, a hobby he inherited from his father and handed down to his own family. As a youth, he learned to play both the piano and organ, allowing him a lifetime of enjoyment. Most Saturday mornings at the crack of dawn, you could find him and his close group of friends playing racquetball, engaged in both sport and tremendous fellowship. He had a love of water since his youth, where he spent summers in the Wisconsin Dells with his cousins riding the tourist ducks and later on the Maumee River in his own boat, “Our Seas”, with family and friends. Ron was baptized and a long time active member in the United Methodist Church. Later in life, he and his wife joined Zoar Lutheran Church where he often spoke of his enjoyment and appreciation of the inspiring musical ministry. He is preceded in death by parents, Cleatus A. and Vera (Buller) Born. He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughters, Deborah L. (Jonathan F. Orser), Karen J. (Terry) Rybczynski; son, Douglas W. and granddaughter, Caroline C. Born. He is also survived by his brother, Richard (Diane) Born, cherished nephews and nieces, and a lifetime of close friends. A special note of sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff and volunteers of Hospice of NW Ohio. Their care, compassion, and dedicated efforts helped him meaningfully and peacefully transition into eternal life. Friends will be received on Monday, July 2, 2018 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary St, Perrysburg, OH 43551 (419-874-3133) where a Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 10:00 at Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 East Indiana Ave, Perrysburg, OH 43551 where funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Fort Meigs Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wood County Humane Society, 801 Van Camp Rd. Bowling Green, OH 43402 or to Zoar Lutheran Church.