Ronald Everett Van Putte

1935 - 2018

Ronald Everett Van Putte, of Fort Walton Beach, died on March 11, 2018. Ron was born May 15, 1935 in Rochester, New York to Everett and Helen Van Putte. Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Faith, and is survived by his daughters Kathryn Hadley (John), Susan Mixon (Scott), and Karen Newnam (Scott); and his brother Douglas Van Putte. Ron also leaves behind seven much-loved grandchildren: Kaitlynn Forsyth (Jason), Davis Mixon (Molly), Taylor Newnam, Scott Hadley, Audrey Mixon, Jessica Newnam, and Dawson Newnam.
Ron graduated from Purdue University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Ron also earned a Master's Degree in 1959 in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering as well as a Professional Degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in 1964, both from the University of Michigan.
Ron earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1953, and lived up to the ideals and expectations for that rank for the rest of his life. An Eagle Scout is expected to live with honor, be loyal, be courageous, be cheerful, and give service. Ron sought to do all of those things every day. Many people were impacted by the selfless service he gave to them.
Ron loved his country and felt it his honor to serve his country. He retired as a Major from the Air Force after 20+ years of service. Following his retirement, he worked in Civil Service for the Air Force in the AMRAAM division for another 20 years.
Ron, an avid Radio Control enthusiast, leaves behind a legacy in aeromodelling. He was a mainstay for the Eglin Aero Modelers. Ron also wrote a column, "RC Aerobatics," for Model Aviation for over two decades. Ron judged and/or directed Model Aviation events locally, nationally and internationally. Ron built and was the sole proprietor of Shalimar Hobbies, a local hobby shop for the RC enthusiast. Ron was well-loved in the Radio Control community and leaves behind a wealth of friends.
In his youth, Ron was also an enthusiastic runner. In his lifetime, he completed numerous 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons, and several full marathons. One of his favorite memories was his first marathon, which he ran with his brother Doug.
Ron was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and Faith were married 57 years prior to her death in August 2017. Ron dedicated many hours to his children's and grandchildren's hobbies: he was an honorary "girl scout" so he could go camping with his wife and daughters, he hosted and judged swim meets, he helped install the solar panels at the Hurlburt Field swimming pool, and attended many piano recitals, football games, gymnastic meets, equestrian events and wrestling duals. Those he loved, he loved with his whole heart. He will be deeply missed by many.