Ronald Eikenberry

Ronald Gene (Ron) Eikenberry, 82, passed away January 12, 2018 at home, in the loving arms of his family, after a long struggle with Parkinson's and dementia. Ron was born June 2, 1935 in Greenville, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Velma (Deeter) and Myron A. Eikenberry, and by his brother, Nils G. Eikenberry.

Ron graduated from Greenville High School (GHS) in 1953, received a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Harvard University in 1957, a Master's degree in Secondary Education from Miami University in 1961, and a Doctorate in Education Administration from Ohio State University in 1967. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

Ron's career in Education began as a teacher in Kettering Schools in Kettering, Ohio, continued as a Principal in Southwestern Schools in Grove City, Ohio, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, District 88, Villa Park, Illinois, and Superintendent of Schools in New Philadelphia, Ohio. In 1976, he returned to Greenville to join the family business of Eikenberry's Foodliners.

Ron was an athlete all of his life, playing football at GHS and Harvard, and basketball and track at GHS, where he still holds the school record for the 100 yard dash. He was elected to the Greenville Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992 for his athletic accomplishments. Ron was an avid golfer all of his life.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Judy Knoll Eikenberry, daughters Susan (Reggie) Bitter, Avon Ohio, Sara (Daniel) Barkdoll, Lawrenceburg, Indiana, son, John (Stephanie) Eikenberry, Portland Oregon, and sister, Mona (George) Ludwick, Juno Beach, Florida. Also surviving are grandchildren Sam, Jake and Julia Bitter, Bethany (Jimmy) Rice, Abigail (Jason) Rueger, Josiah, Benjamin, Daniel and Jeremiah Barkdoll, Fiona and Liam Eikenberry.

Ron served on the Greenville School District Board of Education for 9 years and was an active member of First United Methodist Church. He also was a member of the Elks Lodge and Lions Club for many years. Ron enjoyed golf, family, reading, traveling and ice cream!

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20th, 2 pm, at the First United Methodist Church, 202 W. 4th St., in Greenville, Ohio with Pastor Terry Cavanaugh officiating. Visitation will be Friday, January 19th, 5 pm- 8 pm at Zechar-Bailey Funeral Home, 1499 N. Broadway, Greenville, Ohio. Burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

The family has requested that donations in lieu of flowers be given to the First United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 202 W. 4th St., Greenville, Ohio or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease, michaeljfox.org, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD, 21741-5014.