Ronald Lee Dameron

Ronald Lee Dameron, 78, of Marion, passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021 at 7:14 am peacefully at home.

Ron was born November 17, 1942 in Murphysboro.  He was the son of Doris (Code) Gerdes and Leeburn and Juanita Dameron. He married Donna Kay Kerst on August 13, 1971 and in two weeks they would have celebrated 50 years of marriage.

He retired from the Marion Housing Authority and was a member of the Teamsters Union.

Ron had a passion for race cars and loved racing at Poes with his best friend and brother like cousin, Richard Poe.  He loved coaching his sons baseball teams and watching his sports events.  He was so proud of being in the US Air Force, serving as part of the security service and loved his friends and kept in touch until the very end.  He won several car shows and restored a red corvette, willy wagon and a ’56 Chevy and made so many good friends traveling to shows.  Model airplanes became a hobby later in life which his family joked it lead to his tree climbing expertise. 

Ron loved wood working and was so good at it, from adding a family room to bird houses and picture frames.  He was Mr. Fix-It for anything his family needed.  And last but not least his two loves.  Gidget his loyal companion for the last several years has been a great sidekick.  And Donna, the love of his life for 50 years will miss him dearly, but so many memories from daily love notes, singing to her every day and his sweet poems.

Survivors include his; Wife – Donna Dameron of Marion

Daughter – Monica McGinley and Scott Murrie of Marion

Daughter – Lisa Weaver of West Palm Beach, Florida

Son – Samuel & Susan Stilley of Marion

Daughter – Debra Dameron of Alton

Seven grandchildren;

Jonah Pierce

Brittany Pierce

Libby McGinley

Ryan McGinley

Kaylee Dameron

Korbyn Pierceson

Madison Weaver

Several great and great great grandchildren

Cousin, raised as a brother – Richard Poe of Marion

Special nephew – Bill & Leslie Kerst of Hot Springs, Arkansas

Preceded by her Father & Step-Mother – Leeburn and Juanita Dameron, Mother -Doris Gerdes

Memorial services will be Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 10:30 am with visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Kevin McNeely officiating.  Military rites will be presented by members of the VFW Post #1301, American Legion Post #147 and Air Force funeral honors team. Following the service a luncheon will be held at The Elk's in Marion.

For those who prefer memorials may be made to the Veteran’s Honor Flight or Grange Hall Freewill Baptist Church.  Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois  62959.