Ronald Frederick DeFord

DeFORD, Ronald Frederick - Age 69, of Flint, left his earthly body on July 6, 2011. Known to his friends and family as Ron, Ronnie, or Ronnie D., he had a lifelong love of motorcycles. He rode Kawasakis and later Harleys all over Michigan, particularly enjoying the state's north country. He belonged to a bike club in the 1970s, and, later in life, was a member of the Burton Eagles and the Moose Lodge. Ron began his GM career on the assembly line at Fisher 1 after graduating from Flint Southwestern High School, and eventually became a journeyman carpenter. Ron left Fisher 1 when the plant closed, and for a time worked at AC. He retired in 1997. Ron's mother, Eleanor (Keefer) DeFord, passed away in 1997, and his father, Ivan DeFord, passed away in 2008. Surviving Ron are his devoted wife, Cindy (Keene) DeFord, and his two daughters, Debbie DeFord-Minerva (and her husband, Martin Minerva) and Cyndy DeFord. Ron was blessed with two grandchildren, Julian and Luke, and many stepgrandchildren: Aleceia, MaKala, Tre, Nikalyn, Jeffrey, Keri, Mason, Madalyn, Jesse, Brooklyn, and Brianna (and another is on the way). Also surviving are his sister, Marlene (DeFord) Cox, and brother-in-law, Allan Cox, his four nieces, Nicole (Dougherty) Triplett, Lisa (Dougherty) Braidwood, Jeniece (Cox) Perry, and Nicole Marie (Cox) Masters, and their husbands and children, plus several cousins, an aunt, and two uncles. Ron also leaves behind four stepsons: Jeffrey Winslow (and wife Nikki Winslow), Bradley Winslow, Christopher Winslow (and wife Heather), and Aaron Keene (and wife Ronnette), plus five siblings-in-law: Renee Dorn, Leonard "Bucky" Keene, Rudolph "Bubby" Keene, David Keene, and Craig Keene. Ron will be missed by many friends, including those who knew him all his life. Friends and family can attend a viewing and service on Tuesday, July 12, at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 W. Hill Rd., Flint, MI. Viewing: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Service: 3 p.m, Pastor Sarah LaRose-Nettell officiating. Ron's family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society would be much appreciated. Following the service there will be a dinner at the Burton Eagles on Bristol Road. Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com.