Ronnie L. Coder

1941 - 2024

URBANA – Ronnie L. Coder, 82 of Urbana, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in his home.

Ronnie was born on July 9, 1941 in Magnetic Springs, Ohio, to the late Lloyd and Mildred (Stults) Coder.

Ronnie graduated from Leesburg Magnetic High School in 1959 and set a school record of winning 15 varsity letters. He went to Bliss College on a basketball scholarship. After 1 year, he entered Ohio State University and was the starting pitcher until he hurt his shoulder and could not pitch again. He got his master's degree from Xavier University in School Administration in 1971.

Ronnie worked in the field of education for 42 years and was employed by Buckeye Valley, West Liberty-Salem, Urbana, Graham, Champaign County ESC and Urbana University. The first 18 years, he was a teacher and coach, then went into administration.

In April 2016, he started texting faith quotes on different topics to his Sunday School class of about 20 every Thursday. That grew to over 50 people and the Urbana United Methodist Church started sending them out to over 200 in their weekly newsletter.

Ronnie and his wife Dianne enjoyed playing tennis, golf and country dancing. For many years they were active in the Emmaus community in Marysville. Starting the summer of 1999, they began taking the entire family on a 1-week summer vacation, usually to the beach in South Carolina. It started with 9 people and has grown to around 20. One of Ronnie's favorite things to do was to watch family members participate in their activities.

Ronnie was a member of many organizations including the Champaign County Republican Club and County Chairman for 12 years. He was a member of the Urbana Rotary Club for over 30 years and a Paul Harris Fellow and past president.

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Coder; daughter, Tiffany Jayne (Roger) Hamilton; son, Brian Lynn (Chris) Coder; stepdaughter, Tracey (Denbow) Nordahl; grandchildren, Brad (Veronica) Coder, Amber (Chris) Falloon, Sydney Hamilton, Sophia Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Rylee Falloon, Addison Falloon, Isaac Falloon, Emery Falloon, Charlotte Coder, Lincoln Coder; half-brother, Charley Coder; as well as four nieces and nephews.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Coder as well as a step-brother, Gary Herd.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024 in Urbana United Methodist Church, Urbana, Ohio.

Memorial services will immediately follow at 1:30 p.m. in the church with Reverend Christopher Dinnel officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to VERNON FUNERAL HOMES, Urbana, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Urbana United Methodist Church; 238 N Main St., Urbana, Ohio 43078.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.