Rondan Fernandez

Rondan Fernandez, age 77, of Maumee, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at hospice, surrounded by love and holding the hands of his family.

Ron was born on November 27, 1948, in El Paso, Texas, to Abigail Baca and Sixto Fernandez. From a young age, he carried a strong sense of curiosity and adventure that stayed with him throughout his life. In his early years, he worked at Yosemite National Park-an experience that reflected his love for the outdoors, independence, and exploration. He later lived and attended college in Arizona, where he met the love of his life, Nancy. Together, they built a life rooted in partnership, family, and shared experiences, and would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in April 2026.

Ron was a devoted husband and a deeply loving father. Family mattered most to him. He took great pride in his children and truly loved teaching them, guiding them, and taking them along to experience life-whether that meant adventures big or small, long conversations, or simply being present. He believed life was meant to be lived fully and shared generously.

As his daughter, I can say without hesitation that my dad taught me more through who he was than anything he ever said. He loved deeply, showed up consistently, and gave us the freedom to become exactly who we were meant to be.

An intelligent and hardworking engineer, Ron spent his career working with some of America's most iconic companies, including Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, and Harley-Davidson, with much of his professional life dedicated to Ford and GM. He was respected for his sharp mind, work ethic, and ability to solve complex problems with quiet confidence.

In his younger years, Ron lived with a rebellious spirit-in the best way. He loved motorcycles, working on cars, and chasing adventure wherever it led. He even spent time bull riding and bulldogging in a few rodeos, experiences he later turned into stories told with humor, charm, and unmistakable pride. A charismatic people person, Ron genuinely loved talking with others and had a natural way of connecting with anyone he met. He had a gift for storytelling, sharing his adventures with warmth, wit, and authenticity.

Later in life, Ron found joy on the golf course, a pastime he truly loved. Golf became another meaningful way he connected with others, especially his son, Eric.

Those who knew Ron will remember him as loving, fun, charming, intelligent, and genuinely himself-often described as "one of a kind." He lived life on his own terms, unconcerned with judgment, and encouraged those around him, especially his children, to live freely, love fully, and stay true to who they are.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Theresa Fernandez; his son, Eric Raymond Fernandez; and his daughter, Melissa Ann Fernandez. He was one of six siblings and is survived by his brothers and sister: Rebecca, Roland, Rudell, and Roderick. He was preceded in death by his mother, Abigail; his father, Sixto; and his brother, Russell.

Friends and family may visit Wednesday, January 14 from 3-5 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. The Memorial Service for Ron will follow at 5 pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ron's memory to the National Kidney Foundation, in honor of Ron's journey with kidney disease; the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, in recognition of his experience living with diabetes; and the Parkinson's Foundation, in support of his loving wife, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease last year.

Ron's legacy is one of love, curiosity, adventure, and family. His stories, lessons, and spirit will live on through the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.