Ronald Gene Winchell

Ronald Gene Winchell, age 62, of East Leroy and formerly of the Olivet area died at his home on May 27, 2012. Mr. Winchell was born on October 3, 1949 in Olivet to Frank E. and Helen (Morris) Winchell. He grew up in the Olivet area and worked as a Dairy Farmer on the family farm. Following his graduation from Olivet High School, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. He returned to the family farm and worked there until the mid-1980's. He then became an Airplane Mechanic working in Charlotte, Michigan and then in Texas. For a short time Ronald had worked as a Security Guard for the Veterans Administration in California. On March 8, 1969, he married the former Marilyn Shreve in Marshall at the Zion Lutheran Church. That marriage ended in divorce. Ron was a regular at the Whistle Stop Tavern in Burlington where he enjoyed hanging out with his many friends. He enjoyed traveling around the United States. He was a handyman and loved working on motors of all kinds. Ron was an avid fisherman. For many years, he volunteered as a Peer Mentor and Counselor at the V.A. Center in Battle Creek. He is survived by a daughter, Kimberly (Richard) Murry of Menominee, Michigan; a son, Kevin Winchell of Ontario, Canada; brothers and sisters, Barb Dunham of Battle Creek, Mary (Denny) Hay of Nashville, MI, Ralph (Denise) Winchell of Burlington, Shirley Worden of Athens and Richard Winchell of TN. Private services for the family are being planned. Arrangements are by the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Marshall. Friends who wish may make memorial contribution to the Ronald G. Winchell Memorial Fund. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home. To leave a personal message, please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com...