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Ronald Ingram Obituary

DECATUR - Ronald Keith Ingram, Jr., 63, passed away December 6, 2009, at 2:05 A.M. Memorial services will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at First Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Illinois. A memorial visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. Tuesday, December 8, at the church. Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or Boy Scouts of America Lincoln Trails Council, 262 W. Prairie, Decatur, IL 62523. Ron was born June 9th, 1946 in Hastings, Michigan, the son of Ronald Ingram and Olga Gordon. He married Sue Burns on June 8th, 1969. They had four children and eleven grandchildren. Ron was a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in journalism. He started his journalism career with the Herald & Review in 1969. Ron was a Scoutmaster of Troop 5 for 16 years, and graduated nearly 40 eagle scouts. He held many positions in scouting including Den Leader, Cubmaster, Woodbadge instructor, District Committee member, and was a Scout Commissioner at the time of his death. Ron was a member of First Presbyterian Church, he was also an avid bridge player, he enjoyed reading, and was a member of the History Club of Decatur. He is survived by his wife Sue; sons Ron III (Laura), and Matt; daughter Dana (Jason) Kretsinger; brother Chuck Gordon; sister Pam Gordon; grandchildren Warren Garver, Logan Tewell, Ashley Randolph, Ethan Tewell, Dalton Ingram, Mikhaila Ingram, Matthew Ingram, Jr., Carrisa Kretsinger, Maureen Ingram, Audrey Ingram, and Daphne Kretsinger. He was preceded in death by his father, step-father Charles Gordon, son Mark Ingram, and granddaughter Cynthia Ingram. Ron led an exemplary and principled life that touched many people throughout the community. He will be missed by his family and friends. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp
Published by Decatur Herald & Review from Dec. 8 to Dec. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Terry L Hoyt

December 2, 2020

Ron was a Great man and FRIEND, who helped me Soo Very Much. He always did the right, humane thing and God Bless him for being the Man of Truth that he was. I look forward to seeing him in Heaven.

Lawrence Fichter

December 15, 2009

Ron Ingram was what every journalist should hope to become. Honesty,intelligence, diligence, civility were just a few of his qualities. Although our respective professions ( he as a dogged reporter and I as the Macon County State's Attorney) could have put us at odds, it did not. He was relentless in his quest for the facts and the truth of the matter, but respectful of the justice system. If we went " off the record" on sensitive background or investigative material, it stayed "off the record". Ron Ingram was a good man, a consummate professional, and a friend.

Julie Correll

December 14, 2009

Dear Sue and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. We were so saddened to hear of Ron's passing. The class of 64 will miss him terribly....Julie Correll

December 11, 2009

Ron was an excellent colleague and an even better man. I greatly enjoyed working with him during my tenure at the Herald & Review and was shocked and saddened to learn of his untimely passing. I will remember Ron in my prayers. -- Tom Collins, H&R staff writer (1999-2000)

Tom Collins

December 11, 2009

Ron was an excellent colleague and an even better man. I greatly enjoyed working with him during my tenure at the Herald & Review and was shocked and saddened to learn of his untimely passing. I will remember Ron in my prayers.

Kathy Becker Holiday

December 10, 2009

My thoughts and prayers to Ron's family and friends. I had my first newspaper job under the protective vast wingspan of Ron, a kind mentor I will always remember fondly. I learned a lot from him, including property tax math lessons that served me throughout my career. His booming presence is one memory of my Decatur days I haven't forgotten. RIP

Susan Mumm

December 10, 2009

Dear Sue and family:
What a loss this is!

Learning from the newspaper about Ron's death made me stop and think back to the days when I sat across the desk from him at the Herald & Review. I'd be trying to put a story together and, often as not, would need to ask Ron for advice. His face would spread into that knowing smile and he'd fill me in on "the rest of the story." I was so green and he knew so much. He was an exceptional storyteller! I could have listened to him all day long.

In this cynical world, it was great to have learned from that kind of journalist - a gracious, gentle giant in whom straightforwardness and compassion coexisted without being at odds with each other.

Actually, his knowledge and patience reminded me of my older brother, another one who left us way too soon.

I would imagine that Ron is somewhere, maybe with Dana Ewell, talking about the old days - the stories they got, the stories they missed, and the stories they could never tell.

I thank God I had the chance to know Ron Ingram.

Tim Crosby

December 10, 2009

Dear Sue and family,
Ron set a good example as a man and a journalist. I always looked up to him. He was so generous and welcoming. I'll always remember his inviting me over for dinner on my first night in Decatur - you made red beans/rice and spicy sausage! I admired the way he balanced work with his family. I just plain admired him. I met a young man here at SIUC the other day who was also heartbroken by his loss. Turns out, this budding engineer had Ron as a scoutmaster. Take comfort in knowing Ron will not be forgotten by the hundreds of people he positively influenced.

Robin Sitton

December 9, 2009

Hello Sue and family----Ron was a very kindly man and will be missed greatly. Two of our sons were in Troop 5 and my husband, Stan, enjoyed revisiting his Boy Scout days via experiences with our boys, Phil and Dan. I appreciated Ron's willingness to explain the dynamics of BSA and he made it a memorable experience for my boys and my husband. God bless Ron's memory!

Burton Cole

December 9, 2009

I just watched "In the Editor's Office with Gary Sawyer," and Gary displayed Ron's big ol' filing card box of contacts. Oh my, the memories! It's been about 18 years since I left Decatur, but I remember very well that box just two chairs to my left, where Ron sat -- and from where he helped this newcomer. One Christmas, Ron and Sue invited my family -- we were transplants from 500 miles away and wouldn't be going home for Christmas -- to share the day with his family. We felt welcomed. Thank you, Ron, and thank you Sue and family. I wish I could hear that big laugh of Ron's again.

Jan Touney

December 9, 2009

Dear Sue and family,
Ron's passing leaves a deep hole in our hearts and in the journalism profession. I considered Ron a good friend and someone I could always turn to for advice during my years at the Herald & Review. As a rookie reporter in 1975, I will never forget Ron's graciousness in moving his treasured July 4 vacation so Tom and I could have a honeymoon week. Your family was a special part of our time in Decatur; our prayers and sympathy are with you.

Kim Bauer

December 9, 2009

I remember when Ron would interview me on a topic and I was always struck by his earnestness to know and understand the story he was reporting on. Later, when I spoke before groups he was a part of, I was struck by HIS knowledge and understanding of the topic at hand. More importantly, as I got to know Ron better I came to appreciate his sense of humor and his ability to put people at ease. These are traits that are hard to come by naturally but Ron seemed to be able to do them with a grace that made people want to be his friend. He will be sadly missed by all who were touched by that grace.

With deepest sympathies,

Thomas Schneider

December 9, 2009

Sue and Family,

Ron was a very special man, whom will be missed by all! Ron often spoke of his family after we completed our interviews. He was proud and loved all of you very much. God Bless all of you.

Julia Marie Warfield-Wittig

December 9, 2009

Ron was my son Jason's Scoutmaster. He really explained Boy Scouts to us. His voice was deep and sang with a lot of energy at Fairview Park and First Presbyterian church. I know him as a member of First Presbyterian church. Writing was not easy for me, but he could explain everything. May he rest in peace and join Mark his youngest son in heaven. We will miss both Ron and Mark.

Steve Hurst

December 9, 2009

Dear Sue,
Please accept our deepest sympathy. I worked with Ron when we were both cubs at the Herald & Review. He was covering the Board of Education at the time and when his big frame came strolling into the newsroom late at night after board meetings I could always count on a wonderful recounting of what happened. Ron cared about his community more than any reporter I ever knew and proved that with his long association with the newspaper and Decatur. His death is a huge loss to everyone. Kathy and I wish we could attend services, alas we are too far away. Please accept our gratitude for sharing Ron with us.
Best wishes,
Steve Hurst

Joe Porter

December 9, 2009

Dear Ingram Family,

Ron's life stands as a testament to the power of a life of integrity to affect many others for good. Although I did not know Ron as well as I wish I had, I too was affected by his great spirit. Boy Scouting has lost a true and irreplacable friend this day. Our condolences and prayers are with you.

Joe and Gail Porter

Dawn Head

December 9, 2009

Dear Ingram Family. I was shocked and saddened at the same time when I read that Ron had passed. He was a wonderful example to both young and old. When I was in the political scene he gave me one piece of advice that I have tried to live my life by. He told me" keep it true to you and the rest will fall into place. The people will put you there, but always remember they can take you out too." His wealth of knowledge on any subject will be hard to replace. I will always remember Ron with fond memories. May GOD be with you and your families during this time. Ron will always be in our hearts. He is an angel now.

Karla Miller

December 9, 2009

Dear Ingram Family, I worked as the former spokesperson for ADM and spoke to Ron many times over 16 years. He was so respectful and professional. I'm devastated to learn of his death. I could tell that he was an outstanding person of integrity -- a quality I hold in high regard. I'm sorry to know that you are suffering a great loss....

Carol Brooks

December 8, 2009

Sue and family,
Our hearts are broken and full of shock. Having known you and Ron and your chldren was a true blessing over all these years. We will always cherish so many fond memories. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Another angel taken from us way too soon. You and your family are in our prayers, lots of sympathy and love, Carol and Larry Brooks

Terry Hoyt

December 8, 2009

My deepest sympathies to Ron's wife and family. He has been a dear friend since meeting him in 1994 after the death of my daughter. Ron was a very compassionate, caring man and always true to his word. He will be sorely missed; I thank God for Ron and my prayers are with you.

December 8, 2009

Sue and family,

Cathy and I just learned tonight of Ron's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Ron was a true professional and a man who was steadfastly dedicated to his church and his community.

I recall how pleased Ron was when he won the Lee Enterprises Spirit Award in the early 1990s. It was recognition that was well deserved.

Ron, your family will miss you, your colleagues will miss you, your community will miss you and our profession will miss you.

George and Cathy Althoff
Baraboo, Wis.

Lisa, Joe, and Alex May

December 8, 2009

Dear Sue and family: My heart is just broken for all of you. I've been praying for all you since I learned of Ron's death Sunday evening. Ron was so much more than a Alex's Scout master. His was a rare and true friend. He stood by Alex all these years. Even though we did not see much of each other these last few years, you and Ron have also been, and will continue to be, very close and dear to my heart. Please do not hesitate to call us for anything. We love you.

Kelly Dunn

December 8, 2009

Dear Mrs. Ingram and Family
What a sad time for the Decatur Council of the Boy Scouts - the newspaper readers throughout Macon county, and certainly for all of you!

My son will be an Eagle Scout soon, having finished his Community Service Project and paperwork - I was looking forward to sending (by e-mail) that happy news to Ron's desk at the Herald - I will put a copy of his memorial tribute in Kyle's scrapbook instead.

We are praying for all of you as go through this difficult time!

Kelly Dunn, Scout Kyle Hahn, and Family

Ryan Marucco

December 8, 2009

My condolences go out to Ron's family and all of those who met him in life. He was always the example of an ethical person when it came to his job and his life. He will be missed by a lot of people.

Frank Elston

December 8, 2009

Rose Ann and I send our deepest sympathy to Sue and her family.

Ron and I were young reporters at the H&R in 1969. He was a superb journalist, fun colleague and a tremendous asset for the City of Decatur. Thanks, Ron, for making Decatur a better community through your countless news articles and your dedicated acts of service to others.

David Burke

December 8, 2009

Between the reporters he worked with and mentored and the Boy Scouts that he led for decades, the impact of Ron's life and example has made a difference in countless people from coast to coast. He will be missed by more people than you can imagine.

David Burke
H&R, 1991-99

Michael Tarczan

December 8, 2009

My condolences to Ron's family and to the H&R newspaper. from all of us here at the Macon County Public Defender Office.
Michael Tarczan
Investigator
Macon County Public Defender Office

Linda Mills

December 8, 2009

I did not know Ron Ingram Jr. From what I have read about him, he was an outstanding and wonderful person to the Decatur community. I did however have the pleasure of working with his son Ron at Caterpillar Decatur. My prayers and condolences go out to the Ron Ingram family for this tragic loss.

Sarah Antonacci

December 8, 2009

My condolences to Ron's family and to the H&R newsroom. I was so sorry to read of Ron's death. I worked for the H&R for five years and can still hear his voice in my head. He had a great sense of humor and wonderful nose for news. I had to shadow him once on a city council story and Ron taught me that when all else fails and an elected body fails to commit any news during their meeting, focus the story on any matter "that hits the reader in the pocketbook." It's a technique I had to rely on more than a few times over the years. I'm sure his presence will be greatly missed by the Decatur-area community as a whole.

Ayn Owens

December 8, 2009

I will miss his smiling face and wondferful laugh. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am thankful for his service to our community, to the paper and his dedication to his family! What a great example he set for us all.

Rob Buchanan

December 8, 2009

Ron was always in his prime while serving as a Scouter, no matter what role he was asked to fill. It was my privilege to have known and worked with Ron and to have had the opportunity to serve on his staff for Wood Badge. His passing is a great loss to both the Boy Scouts and to Decatur. My condolences to the family, you can be assured that his memory will live on in those he touched through Scouting. You and Ron will be in my prayers.

Marsha Fleming

December 8, 2009

My sincere condolences to the entire Ingram family. As a Herald & Review co-worker of Ron's for over 14 years, I will always remember him for his witty retorts during newsroom conversations (especially on the night side), his dedication to his work and his family, and his willingness to do anything to help anyone at anytime. My thoughts are with all of you, and the entire H&R extended family during this time of shock and loss.

Jeanelle Norman

December 8, 2009

I have known Ron for many years and certainly have appreciated his work as a journalist. My prayers are with you. Ron will be sorely missed by all of us, but his legacy will remain with us always.

Scott Heidemann

December 8, 2009

Sue,

You are in my thoughts and prayers all the way from Iraq right now. I heard about Ron's passing and was greatly sadened knowing what a great person and Scouter Decatur has lost.

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