OWENSBORO, Ky. — Ronald E. “Ron” Beals, 84, of Owensboro, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born March 7, 1933, in Reed, Ky., to the late Isadore Silverman Beals and Gladys I. Smithhart Beals.
Ron graduated from Spottsville High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of San Diego in 1972.
He retired from the U.S. Navy after more than 20 years of service. His service included the Korean War, Persian Gulf War, the Navy Missile Program and the testing of hydrogen bombs.
He also taught elementary school in San Diego, Calif., and Los Angeles, Calif. Most recently, Ron spent more than 14 years in the deli at Kroger on Starlite Drive in Owensboro, Ky.
He had a Baptist background but attended Blessed Mother Catholic Church with his wife, Greta.
Ron was a fanatic UK basketball fan and enjoyed attending Owensboro Maverick basketball games. He also enjoyed country music, was an avid bingo player and served as president of the Senior Bowling League at Diamond Lanes South.
Ron was preceded in death by an infant brother.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Greta Beals; sons, Ronald Phillip Beals and Michael Ray Beals; daughters, Cherilyn Leigh Travis and husband, Mike, and Christina “Robin” Donahue, all of Owensboro, and Maria Elena Scott, of Beaver Dam, Ky.; grandchildren, Marcus Andrew Donahue and Tiffany Nicole Lester and husband, Samuel; a great-grandchild, Elijah Robert Lester; sister, Marilyn Louise Goldsberry; brothers, Dr. Aaron Elwood Beals, William Isadore Beals, Richard Allen Beals, and Vernie Ray Beals; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.
The service will be 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. The visitation will be Monday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Tuesday after 9 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Rosehill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 135 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40202.
Condolences may be offered online at www.glenncares.com.
