Ronald L. Walsh, Sr.

A funeral service for Ronald L. Walsh, Sr., 82, of Heath, OH, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Lighthouse Memorial Church, 2600 Walnut Rd. Rt. 79, Millersport, OH, with Pastor Jim Vanover officiating. Burial will follow at Newark Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St. Newark, OH.

Ron passed away July 6, 2025, at his residence. He was born September 3, 1942, in Newark, OH, to the late Robert and Virginia (Crego) Walsh, Sr.

Ron met his loving wife, Christena, at Fort Wayne Bible College. The two were married in Charleston, West Virginia, and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

Ron believed in lifelong learning and earned degrees from Fort Wayne Bible College, Indiana University, and Ohio University. Other than raising his children, Ron considered a nearly 45-year career in education to be his greatest accomplishment. Over the course of his career, he served as a teacher, elementary principal, superintendent, and adjunct professor at both Mount Vernon Nazarene University and The Ohio State University. After his initial retirement from education, he returned to the field and worked for the Licking County Board of Education for 12 more years. Ron was known for his remarkable memory and could recall the names of former students even decades after teaching them.

In addition to a career in education, Ron had a deep passion for farming, raising both crops and animals. He also owned and operated a tree service company and a snow removal business. He served on the Board of Directors for the Licking County School Employees Federal Credit Union and Cardinal Federal Credit Union.

Ron was a founding member of Lighthouse Memorial Church in Millersport, Ohio, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years. His commitment to service extended globally through Christian mission trips in places such as Haiti, Jamaica, and Barbados. He loved gospel music and enjoyed singing in church choirs and local barbershop quartets.

In his later years, Ron took great joy in following Ohio State athletics and was an enthusiastic fan of basketball star Caitlin Clark. He cherished time with his grandchildren, never missing a chance to spoil them with candy and solicit his signature bear hug.

He is survived by his wife, Christena (Larch) Walsh; children, Ronald L. Walsh, Jr., Andy (Vonetta) Walsh, Rachel (Rick) Steele, and Rebekah Walsh; grandchildren, Camden, Jamison, Greyson, Noah, and Nakita; siblings, Cheri Rogers, John (Pat) Walsh, Nancy Glover, Becki (Herbert) Conley, Melissa Walsh, Mark (Dena) Walsh, Brian (Debbie) Walsh, and Tim (Mary Ann) Walsh; aunts, Phyllis Courtright and Connie Brown; uncle, Gary Crego; special family members, Cheryl (Steve) Lilly, heartfelt friend Eliza Kroger, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert E. Walsh, Jr., and two aunts.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lighthouse Memorial Church.

To sign an online guest book, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.