Ronald Earl Lechner

Ronald Earl Lechner was peacefully welcomed into heaven on December 14, 2023, at the age of 83. Born and raised in Canton, OH and a proud graduate of Timken High School (58'), he spent his later years as a devoted member of the Dalton Community,
He began his career serving the community as a respected member of the Ohio State Highway Patrol for a commendable ten years, following which he was proud President and Founder of Riceland Homes. Over the next 32 years, Riceland Homes built over 800 homes for families all over Northeast Ohio and was twice selected as Builder Of The Year by the Wayne County Homebuilders Association. Ron was also a lifetime member on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Home Builders. His tireless commitment to the home building community was recognized when he was nominated as the President of the Wayne and Holmes County Home Builders Association and for 20 years he served as Chairman of the Homebuilders Association Professional Standards Committee - testimony to his integrity-driven and trustworthy professional reputation.
Ron was an active member of the Richville United Church of Christ, a community he lovingly embraced and who will miss him dearly. Ron was an avid golfer and a diehard sports fan - passing on his deep love of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Browns, Guardians (Indians), and Ohio State Football to his children and grandchildren. Most notably, Ron was a devoted and loving husband to his wife of 63 years, Nancy. The two shared exciting adventures in their early days and created a warm and loving home where they cared for and welcomed the next three generations.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Reba Lechner (Davis); granddaughter Elyssa Lechner; sisters and brothers-in-law Jean Halley (Robert) and Pauline Jurkovic (Tony) and brother-in-law Floyd Showalter. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Nancy; sister Marjorie Showalter; his devoted children Karen Gerber (Steve), R. Scott Lechner, and Joseph Lechner (Beth); grandchildren Joshua Gerber (Lauren), Rebecca Grant (Drew), and Buddy, Cassi, Samantha, Meghan, and Emily Lechner; 6 great-grandchildren; and many other treasured relatives and friends.
Please join us in celebrating the life of Ronald Earl Lechner. Funeral services will be held on December 18, 2023, at 4:00 pm, at the Richville United Church of Christ 6125 Richville Dr. SW Navarre, OH 44662. Pastor Will Stuart officiating; visitation and calling hours will take place at the church on the same day, starting at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Richville United Church of Christ.