Ronald Forrest Middleton Sr.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, Ronald Forrest Middleton Sr., age 79, passed away at his home in Bakersfield CA.

Born on August 15, 1946, in Alliance, OH, Ron was the son of Forrest C. and Dorothy M. (Grace) Middleton. He graduated from Alliance High School in 1965, married, had children, and later served his community as a firefighter with the Alliance Fire Department. After leaving AFD, he moved to Bakersfield, California, where he worked for many years as a purchasing agent in the oilfield supply industry.

Ron is survived by his wife of 50 years, the former Carol Vestal; "His favorite Daughter", Kimberly (Bruce) Niles; sons, Ronald (Shannon) Middleton Jr. and James Middleton; step-son Brian Oyster; grandchildren Joshua Middleton Sr., Jessica Middleton, and Daniel (Morgan) Middleton; great-grandchildren Joshua Middleton Jr., Karilynn Middleton, Carson Middleton, and Raelyn Middleton; and great-great-grandson Marshall Middleton. He is also survived by his brothers, Dennis (Sue) Middleton and David (Cathy) Middleton; sister-in-law Susan Middleton; one niece; and many nephews, along with a few favorite cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary Middleton.

Oh the stories he had….from working at Uncle Dick's bakery in Louisville, helping his father in his business of installing aerial antennas, to the "eyeball in the Cheezewhiz" gift from his brother, the visits with Aunt Elinor, the cross country trip to California (and back) with his brothers in a 1972 Red White and Blue Pinto Runabout, being offered to tour with Grammy Award winning Aaron Neville (Ron was a phenomenal sax player), the trials and sadness of being a firefighter, the regrets of not being a better father, and how he didn't voice it enough that he was proud of how resilient and strong his children are, despite his frequent absence.

In his early years as a warm-weather beach-loving Californian, Ron enjoyed weekend trips to Pismo Beach camping and ATVing with his sons, long motorcycle rides through the mountains of California with his daughter, and often expressed how happy he was that he didn't have to shovel snow.

He had a passion for customizing vehicles-"chopping and slamming" them-and took pride in showcasing his most honored and creative work, "The Purple Sledsel" at car shows throughout California and Ohio. His work awarded him trophies, articles, and appearances on the cover of several Custom Car Magazines.

Ron's legacy lives on through five generations of family who carry forward his memory, his "never getting old" attitude, and of course…..that "Middleton Temper".

May his life be remembered with gratitude and love by all who knew him.

A private family Memorial will take place at a later date.

Arrangements by Angels Cremation Service, 8803 Scobee St., Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93311.