Ronald Eugene Moening, 75, of Findlay, OH and formerly of Conyers, GA, passed away on May 7.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 9 from 4-6 p.m. at Smith-Crates Funeral Home in North Baltimore, Ohio. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 10 at 11 a.m. with burial following at New Maplewood Cemetery, where full military rites will be conducted by the North Baltimore American Legion Post 539.
Ron was born to Betty (Weiker) Moening and Theodore Moening on March 8, 1949. He graduated from North Baltimore High School where he excelled in sports and business.
Ron had a strong work ethic and prided himself on having worked a full-time job while completing high school and still participating in sports. After high school, Ron continued to practice his love of sports through coaching and playing golf, tennis, softball, and bowling.
He married Betty Campbell on October 23, 1971, and they later divorced.
Ron battled alcoholism throughout his life and held a variety of jobs as a result. However, he most often liked to tell stories of his time building houses for John Hutchison in Ohio or his plumbing/heating fiascos with Des Turner in Georgia. Ron was a veteran and served in the Army. He was also a proud member of the North Baltimore American Legion Post 539.
Ron found a new lease on life when he moved to Conyers, Georgia. There, he met his best-friend Desmond Turner who was like a brother to him. Des, his wife Patricia, their daughter Drina, and their granddaughter “adopted” Ron into their family. Ron came from a dysfunctional family and Des and Pat showed him the acceptance and love he had so badly needed. While in Georgia, Ron made many friends, and along with Desmond, belonged to a hunting club where he spent much of his retirement days.
In his last few years of life, Ron’s good fortune continued. He moved back to Ohio in 2021 and reunited with a childhood classmate Beverly King Gonzales. They instantly hit it off. Beverly was one of the best things to have ever happened to Ron. Her companionship meant the world to him, and he loved her dearly. Together they took day trips, traveled, and spent time at the lake. Her son Jeffery and his fiancé Carrilyn embraced Ron, and Carri referred to him as Grandpappy. Ron spent as much time with his great-grandchildren as he could and enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow into adults.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Annette Moening, brothers Dennis and Terrance Moening and half-brother Rodney Moening.
Ron is survived by his significant other Beverly King Gonzales of Bryan, OH: son Randall Moening and daughter Rachel (Jeramy) Smith, both of Findlay, OH: half siblings Janice (Joe) Graham of Gomer, OH, Denise (Ralph) Gonzales of Austin, Texas, Deborah Moening of Lima, OH, Jeff Moening of Wapakenta, OH, Theresa (Scott) Bowen of Lima, OH: grandchildren Jacob Smith of Columbus, OH, Tristen (Bobbi) Smith of Carey, OH, Carter Smith of Findlay, OH, Keiran (Ashleigh) Smith of Carey, OH, Dorian Smith, and Liam Smith both of Findlay, OH: great-grandchildren Peyton Smith, Aria Smith, Aspen Smith, Charlene Smith, and Selena Smith.
Memorials may be given to Wreaths Across America c/o N.B. American Legion Post 539 or the North Baltimore Athletic Department.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithcrates.com.
