Ronald Wiggins

Ronald Ray Wiggins Sr. was born on February 7, 1938, in Nappanee, Indiana, to Lee and Clemmie (Duncan) Wiggins. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1956. In 1957, he married Shirley Barnes, and their union ended in divorce in 1967. He later married Barbara Davidoff in 1969, and that marriage lasted until 2004. In October of 2004, he married Nancy (Sheffield) Hahn, who preceded him in death on March 19, 2021.

Ron leaves to cherish his memory his children: Ronald Wiggins Jr. (Susan) of Temecula, CA; Kimberly Smith of Bowie, MD; and Timothy Wiggins (Kimra) of Medical Lake, WA. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Daniel Freshley Sr. (Vicki) of Montgomery Village, MD; Dara Freshley (Steve) of Dania, FL; Ryan Hahn of Granger, IN; and Todd Hahn of Etna Green, IN.

His grandchildren include Matthew Wiggins, Lindsey Wiggins Herchert, Breanne Wiggins, Courtney White, Marguerite Smith, Daniel Smith, and Heather Wiggins. His step-grandchildren include Daniel Freshley Jr. (Sarah), Shawn Freshley (Brooke), Megan Freshley, Rylee Jay, Cooper Jay, Ashlee Hahn, Kaylynne Hahn (Ryan), Josh Hahn, Samantha Greenhill (Tommy), Gabriella Rodriguez, and Alexandra Rodriguez.

He is additionally survived by his niece, Karen Schlueter; his nephew, Tom Waidner; and a growing number of great-grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Nancy, his brother Leo, his sister Frances, and two nephews.

Ron spent much of his life doing what he loved most, music. Ron was an accomplished jazz musician, who played piano and sang with great passion. In 1955, he performed with the popular local high school band, the Rhythm-Aires, alongside Bob Basham, Ron Beemer, and John Brassuer. He left Mishawaka in 1958 to tour with the Bobby Helms Band and returned in 1960 to form an organ-and-drum duo with Ronn Fiwek, performing throughout the Midwest.

In 1964, Ron relocated to Los Angeles, where he lived for 35 years, entertaining audiences in upscale clubs and dinner houses. In 1994, he moved to Atlanta, GA, to perform for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, later taking a solo position performing in the Atrium of Hartsfield Airport until his retirement in 2004. After retiring, he returned to Mishawaka, where he continued sharing his music locally, both as a solo artist and with his group, the Ron Wiggins Quartet. Over the years, he also wrote numerous songs for movie scripts and fellow musicians.

Ron was a warm and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He always lamented that he regretted not collecting autographs or photos from the many celebrities he met throughout his musical career, yet he smiled deeply when recalling afternoons spent chatting with his close friend Dick Clark while seated in one of the barber chairs in Clark's office.

Ron was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka, where he frequently served as an usher and participated in a weekly small-group study class.

Contributions in Ron's memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka, the Center for Hospice Care of Mishawaka, or to Alzheimer's disease research.

A celebration of life for Ron will take place on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, in Bar Louie, 7320 Aspect Dr, Mishawaka. There will be time for sharing of memories and of the good times.