Today we gather to celebrate the life of Ronald “Ron” Poe — a man of deep faith, great heart, steady hands, adventurous spirit, and enduring love for his family.

Ron was born at home in Richmond, Indiana, on July 25, 1939, to Melva Poe and Harold Poe. From an early age, it was clear he was gifted with both talent and drive. He graduated high school in 1957, and during those early years he was already building the qualities that would define so much of his life. He sang in the choir, participated in events, plays, and acting, worked at a men’s clothing store, and even sang on the radio. He was a man with presence, personality, and a heart people remembered.

Ron began his career in insurance sales, later moving into the dental industry where he worked with Patterson Dental as a sales manager. But Ron was never the kind of man to stay in one lane for long. He had vision, grit, and that unmistakable itch to keep building, creating, and doing.

He later became part owner of a family-operated resort on the Colorado River with Bill and Barb Charnley, creating memories and building a life centered around family, fun, and hard work. In 1984, he sold his interest in the resort to his son Stacey and his business partner Bill.

Retirement, however, never really suited Ron. Sitting still simply was not in his nature. He explored real estate and car sales, but neither truly captured his heart. What did fit him was working with his hands, solving problems, and helping people. He started his own handyman service, where he worked alongside the man who would become his best friend, Dale Ring.

And when the itch to keep moving and exploring returned, Ron and his beloved wife Janice stepped into yet another chapter together — becoming consultants for new campground owners with KOA, traveling throughout the United States and Canada. Their lives were filled with one adventure after another, from travel hosting to managing mega resorts, and countless experiences too many to fully list. Ron lived a full, overflowing life.

At the center of Ron’s life was always family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Janice; his brothers, Hal and Clark; and his children, Debbie, Brenda, Sheryl, and Sarah. In 1970, he married Janice, who brought two children from a previous marriage, Stacey and Sarah. Ron lovingly adopted Stacey and Sarah, and together they became a family of seven.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Melva and Harold Poe, and his son Stacey and Stacey’s wife, Kelley, both of whom were dearly loved and remain deeply missed.

That family would continue to grow into a beautiful legacy that now includes 42 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. The grandchildren who started it all include Trisha, Tony, Lindsey, Ryan, Adam, Joshua, Savannah, Kara, Megan, Kaylee, Logan, and Leah. If you knew Ron, you knew this truth: he was a proud father, and an even prouder grandpa. Nothing lit him up quite like his family.

He loved adventure and shared that love generously. From water skiing and snow skiing to dune buggies, RZR rides, and motorcycles, Ron embraced life with energy and joy. He was the kind of man who could fix just about anything, and just as importantly, he was the kind of man who would help just about anyone. He never knew a stranger.

Ron built friendships that spanned decades. He loved deeply, laughed fully, and left a mark on the lives of many. Some of those he loved had already gone before him, and we take comfort in knowing he was ready to see them again — especially his son Stacey, his daughter-in-law Kelley, and his dear friends Dale Ring and Jim Cottingham.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life. Ron spent many years singing in the choir at his church, where his love for music and love for the Lord came together beautifully. His church family and his relationship with Jesus were deeply important to him in the years after they settled in Casa Grande.

Ron’s journey with Parkinson’s disease was a long one — 14 years — and he faced it with strength, resilience, and grace. He managed it remarkably well, and even in the midst of that journey, his spirit remained alive. It is only fitting to imagine that when he reached Heaven’s gates, he wasn’t walking in weary — he was dancing and singing and welcomed home with joy.

Ron’s life was full. Full of work, song, family, service, adventure, faith, and love. He leaves behind a legacy not just in the stories we tell, but in the people he shaped, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely.

If you are so led, in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation or to the CalvaryCG church directly in Ron's name for the new sanctuary which he was really excited about and always talked about. 

We celebrate him today with gratitude, with tears, with laughter, and with hope.

Well done, Ron. You were deeply loved, and you will be dearly missed!

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