Ron Brokaw, 86, of Richland County, died on February 17th, 2026, surrounded by family, on the farm that he loved in Bellville, Ohio.
Ron was born to Cecil and Bessie Brokaw in the Poorman family farmhouse in Richland County. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife Regina, his brothers Raymond, Richard, Russell, and his sister Ruth and son-in-law Kim Tetlow. He is survived by his sister Rosalie and his four daughters: Jodi and (Larry) Ramey, Rhonda Tetlow, Julie and (Michael) Della Russo, and Rhinda Hissong. He is also survived by six grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren, of whom he was so proud. Sisters-in-law Ruth and Sue Brokaw and many nieces and nephews, of which a few he held a deep affection for, survive him.
Ron traveled the country as a serious competitor in tractor pulling well into the twilight of his life, and was the two-time national antique tractor-pull champion in his tractor’s weight class. He especially enjoyed winning with his 1938 Massie Harris 101 against the often younger pullers. He treasured his friends from the tractor-pulling (Rodney Miller) and antiquing communities, as well as many others from the area, and those who expressed such generosity and kindness over the years.
He enjoyed the many species of birds that also call Bellville home. He installed bird houses designed specifically for his favorites, including the Purple Martins, whose return he anticipated from the South in April. We are reminded of the Scripture, Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
Ron attended Palmyra Church of Christ, where he held a very special bond with minister Troy Northrop. Ron was blessed with a neighborhood of exceptional people, who truly loved him.
No public services will be held at this time. Snyder Funeral Homes Bellville-Butler Chapel is honored to assist the family. Donations may be made to the Jefferson Township Fire Department, 470 Main Street, Bellville, Ohio 44813.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes Bellville-Butler Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com