Ronald Eugene Bidwell

URBANA – Ronald Eugene Bidwell, affectionately known as Ronnie, was born on Jan. 5, 1945 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He departed from this world peacefully on Oct. 29, 2025 at Oakwood Village in Springfield, Ohio, just five days after the loss of his beloved wife, Eileen "Chris" (Mattox) Bidwell, with whom he shared a loving partnership for 54 remarkable years.

Ronnie devoted his career to the fields of aerospace and retail, working at Grimes Aerospace for an impressive 29 years before transitioning to Wal-Mart, where he dedicated an additional 12 years of his life. His commitment to his work demonstrated not only his strong work ethic but also his dedication to contributing to the community.

On July 18, 1971, Ronnie married the love of his life, Chris, at the Church of God in Urbana, Ohio. Their marriage was characterized by deep affection and unwavering support for one another, and they cherished countless moments spent together within the walls of their church surrounded by loved ones. Ronnie and Chris took great joy in the simple pleasures of life, including a shared passion for pet cats and dogs. There were many serene afternoons spent sitting on their front porch swing, watching deer gracefully roam through their yard and neighborhood.

In addition to their cherished home life, Ronnie and Chris embarked on numerous adventures, traveling to visit family in Ridgecrest, California, as well as Jacksonville, Florida. These trips strengthened their bonds with extended family and created lasting memories together.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Curry Bidwell and Florence (Offenbacker) Bidwell Jackson, and his stepfather, Harold Jackson. He was also mourned by his siblings who had passed: Bob Bidwell, Johnny Bidwell, Patricia Bidwell Clark, Shirley Harper, Vickie Lowe, and Sherry Horn.

His legacy lives on through his surviving family members, including sisters Carol Clickner, Debbie (John) Flynn, and Kim (Mike) Hall, and brothers-in-law Daniel Mattox, Ralph Mattox and Kenneth Harper, sisters-in-law Betty Bidwell, Peggy Watkins, Marsha Sandrowicz, and Cathey Mattox, nephew Mike Bidwell, close friend Richard Hoy and many nieces, additional nephews, and cousins.

The community and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation on Nov. 4, 2025 from 1-2 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at the WALTER AND LEWIS FUNERAL HOME, located at 642 S. Main St. in Urbana, Ohio. He will be laid to rest at Kings Creek Cemetery next to Chris.

Ronnie's kind spirit, dedication to family, and love for life will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew him.