Isaiah 40:31, “but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings of eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
After a long, courageous battle with esophageal cancer, Ronald Edward Kilgore was lifted to his heavenly home flying on the wings of eagles departing from Crystal Care Center of Mansfield. The family would like to thank them for the loving care they gave to Ron as he prepared for his flight up to Heaven and home.
He was the first-born son of Paul and Eunice (Zolman) Kilgore born June 27, 1935, in Bellville, Ohio. He had a very strong work ethic and was a highly sought after painter, wallpaper hanger, and drywall finisher. He liked to bake, grill and can his famous Pepper Butter. Ron also enjoyed hiking around Malabar State Farm Park with his wife and their Boston Terrier. Ron was a fisherman and camper at heart. Together they made 30 trips to Myrtle Beach each year for vacation.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Carol A. Kilgore; children Randy (Shirley Bucher) Kilgore, Rhonda (Rick) Roberts, Rick Kilgore, Ronnetta Wachtel, Kurt Kinton, (Pam) & Crystal Kilgore; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sister Paulette (Ted) Kuhn; sister-in-law & painting partner for 20 years, Connie Zappone; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and his church family at Clay Memorial Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Allen, Lowell, and Wayne; one baby sister, Elain Sue; one grandson Rickey Roberts; and his daughter-in-law Teresa Kilgore.
He enjoyed hunting, bowling, softball and golf. He was a true fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers. He was very active at his church, painting, serving on Church Council, always at Sunday School, and attending a Via di Christo Retreat where he later served as a Kitchen Cha and a Table Cha. He lent his acting talents in several church productions with his favorite role playing the character of Snoopy (the beagle) for two seasons.
Calling hours will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Clay Memorial Lutheran Church, 1061 Amoy East Road (off Bowman Street Rd) Mansfield. Services will be held at 11:00 am at the church with a lunch following the service.
Ron, until we meet again in Heaven, you will be constantly loved and remembered. For almost 91 years, you fought the good fight and ran the race to victory with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.wernergompf.com
Funeral Home: Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, ltd.
Website: www.wernergompf.com