Charles Ronald "Ronnie" Back

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Charles Ronald "Ronnie" Back. He entered eternal life on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Baptist Health Floyd Hospital. Born in Whitesburg, Kentucky on April 6, 1936, Ronnie came to Louisville to work at International Harvester. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served for two years in the 3rd Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, as an Honor Guard. During his service, Ron performed ceremonial duties such as guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and opening doors for President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Following his military service, Ron returned to International Harvester before retiring early and beginning a second career installing kitchens for Haas Cabinet Company.

Ron could do just about anything and was truly a handyman extraordinaire. Friends, family, and even strangers near and far often called on him to build, fix, or install just about anything imaginable. His skill, generosity, and willingness to help were hallmarks of who he was.

Ron met the love of his life, Patricia Haas, on a blind date. They went bowling, and Ron always joked that they "met in the alley." Ron and Pat shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. While not always easy, they stood by one another through illness and hardship, especially during the devastating loss of their daughter, Amy Jo, to a horrific disease. Their enduring commitment was a true testament to their love.

Together, Ron and Pat enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and spent several winters in South Texas at Benson Grove, where they enjoyed riding bikes, playing games, and meeting many new friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Ivol and Lochiel Back; his brothers, John, Tommy, and Philip Back; his sisters, Kathryn Peters and Rachel Wright; his in-laws, Dave and Dorothy Haas; his daughter, Amy Jo Back; and his great-grandson, Iliad Mullins.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia Ann Haas Back; his daughter, Stacie Back; his son, Chuck Back; his granddaughter, Amy Tess Vanover; and his grandson, Jake Vanover. Ron especially loved being a grandpa and great-grandpa and cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren.

Ron is also survived by his brother, Chad Back of Whitesburg; his brother- and sister-in-law, David and Gayla Haas of Crosby, Texas; his brother-in-law, John Haas of Sellersburg; and his sister-in-law, Jessie Back of Sellersburg, along with many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

In addition to his many talents, Ron enjoyed gardening and fishing and was a founding member of the Dairy Queen Liars Club, where he started each morning with a hot cup of coffee and some juicy gossip.

Ron had a servant's heart and will be deeply missed by the Sellersburg community

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the Garr Funeral Home (7806 Highway 311, Sellersburg, Indiana 47172) with interment to follow at Sellersburg Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.