Ronald A. Straker

Ronald A. "Ron" Straker, 67, died at 1:55 p.m. Jan. 14. 2011, at his residence. He was born March 19, 1943, in Lima to Clarendon and Lorna Decker Straker, who preceded him in death. On April 18, 1964, he married Cheryl Joseph, who survives in Waynesfield. Mr. Straker was a firefighter and Lima's first full-time arson investigator, working with the city of Lima since 1966, retiring in 1993. In 1989, he also began driving truck for Roundy's and had retired from there also. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Lima, an honorary member of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 334 and a member of Teamsters Local 908. He enjoyed being outdoors, camping, woodworking and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He was a loving husband and dad. Survivors also include two sons, Daniel (Melinda) Straker, of Sycamore, and Douglas (Nadine) Straker, of Lima; a daughter, Melissa (Joseph) Dean, of Wapakoneta; five grandchildren, Brandon Baxter, Brooke Baxter, Derick Dean, Darin Dean and Skyler Straker; a great-grandson, Kayden Baxter; and a sister-in-law, Vada Straker, of Austin, Texas. He was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth C. Straker. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Shawnee Chapel of Chiles & Sons-Laman Funeral Homes. Father David Ross will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, where a firefighter memorial service will begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita's Medical Center.