Ronald A. Pitcock

Ronald A. Pitcock, 79, passed away Wednesday morning, Jan. 18, 2017 at The Waters of Greencastle where he had been a resident for over a year.

Born March 13, 1937, he was the son of Wallace and Doris Pitcock. Ron spent his growing years as the son of a farmer near Russellville and was a member of the Christian church there.

On Aug. 30, 1965, Ron married Sharon McGaughey.

A graduate of Roachdale High School, Ron served in the United States Army in Germany.

Later he graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science and served many years as a funeral director for Perkins' Funeral Home in Roachdale and Rector Funeral Home in Greencastle. He was later employed at the Indiana State Farm in several capacities.

Ron served on the Greencastle City Council, the Board of Works, and as leader for the Webelos Scouts. He was a member of the Roachdale

Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years.

He helped carry petitions for the park swimming pool and worked with hundreds of others to build the Emerald Palace on some of the wettest days anyone could imagine. Ron enjoyed working to improve the lives of children regardless of being raided by raccoons when camping with Scouts or putting in many hours as president of the Youth Football League.

Later in life, after Ron received his first pacemaker/defibrillator, he counseled many Putnam County people needing one.

After attending many swim meets and football games throughout adjoining states, Ron grew to love Wabash College and its students who often were guests at his home. He enjoyed his yearly $1 bets with Pat Modlin for Monon Bell game as though they might have been for thousands more. If his team won, he would put his winnings in the church collection plate, as did Pat.

Ron loved his children and grandchildren and often met them for destination vacations. He always encouraged them to do their best. He baked sweet rolls and next-day mailed them to grandchildren who lived distances away.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; two sons, Ronald (Jenny) Pitcock and Ryan (Wendy) Pitcock; five grandchildren, Madeline, Henry, Trey, Seth and Eliza; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Kevin; his parents; sister Esther (Jim) Evans; and a brother, Kenneth.

Private graveside services for the family and close friends were conducted on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Hebron Cemetery near Russellville.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ron's memory to the Putnam County Senior Center, 9 W. Franklin St., Greencastle, IN 46135 or to Wabash College, 301 W. Wabash Ave., Crawfordsville, IN 47933.

Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, Greencastle, was in charge of arrangements.