Ronald L. Waggoner

1936 - 2014

Ronald L. Waggoner, 77, of Columbus, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 30, 2014.
Born Nov. 19, 1936, in Columbus, he was the second son of Hezekiah James Waggoner and Rowena May Carmichael.
Ron graduated from Freetown High School in 1955 and then graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in both journalism and economics.
Ron began his career at The Republic newspaper, run by Home News Enterprises for 25 years. That time was filled with much experience, mostly due to the advice from Bob Brown and Ned Bradley, about the newspaper business. Starting at the bottom, Ron learned quickly and was moved to Plainfield to manage the local newspaper, The Messenger, which he guided to its first profitable year. Ron then moved back to Columbus and served as business manager for The Republic. Soon after, Ron was elevated to vice president and oversaw financial operations and fulfilled other companywide duties.
During this time, Ron also served as president of the Senior Retirement Foundation and president of Volunteers of America, was a member of the United Way, and a member of the newly formed YMCA Board of Directors and member of Harrison Lake Country Club, The Bob Gordon Scholarship Fund and director of United Way contributions.
In 1986, Ron left the Home News Enterprises organization to join J.F. Molloy as a consultant adviser for various companies and organizations.
In 1987, Ron left J.F. Molloy to accept a position with the French Government/Bull HN Property in Boston, Mass. Ron took responsibility for major accounts: General Motors, Ford Automotive, Chrysler Motors and Metropolitan Life Insurance.
He retired in 1996 and returned home to tend to the needs of his aging mother, Rowena.
Survivors include his brother, David Waggoner, Freetown; sister-in-law, Nellie Waggoner (wife of his older brother, Kenneth Waggoner, who died in 2010), Freetown; many cousins, nieces and nephews; dear friend, Carolyn Goblick, Boston; and dearly loved friends, Brian and April Knox and their four children, Nick (Kristen) Shaw, Amanda, Adam and Joshua Knox, Columbus.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kenneth Waggoner.
A celebration of life will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home in Columbus. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or Just Friends.
You may view his memorial video, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the Internet at www.jewellrittman.com.