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Ronald L. Whetro, 79, was born 25 June 1935 in Kunkle Ohio, son of Rudy and Geraldine (Wagner) Whetro.
He died, at home, peacefully on Saturday, 29 November 2014, under hospice care, following a 2 year battle with melanoma and is now at a baseball field in heaven.
He moved with his family to Montpelier in 1949, when his Dad needed to be near his railroad job.
Ron was a 1953 graduate of MHS. He was a natural born athlete playing football, basketball and baseball at MHS, with baseball his favorite sport. His senior year, while co-captain of Montpelier’s football team, he gained over 2000 yards as quarterback and halfback. He was named to the 1952 NWOAL All-Star team and Toledo Blade All-Star Selection of All-Northwest Ohio League First Team.
He attended Valparaiso University on a football scholarship and played on the varsity team as a freshman.
He was a catcher in a baseball game at the Hillsdale County Fair in 1954 when signed by a Detroit Tigers baseball scout. He played the spring training season in Florida, but never had his dream come true of being in the majors.
He married Jacquelyn Youse 1 Dec 1956 at the First Presbyterian Church in Montpelier and they moved to Ft. Wayne, Indiana where he graduated 18 months later with an accounting degree from International Business College.
He was drafted into the US Army and played football and baseball in Germany in 1959-60. Both teams won league championships. His wife lived in Ulm, Germany with him; and their daughter, Suzette, was born there. They were fortunate to travel around Europe then and again in 1970.
Upon returning to civilian life, they settled in Montpelier where he became the accountant at Hause Valve Company. Their son, Meric (Ric), was born in 1964 to complete their family.
Ron was always involved with sports. He played and coached youth baseball from 1961-1979. He became an official, working junior high through high school baseball, basketball and football for over 25 years. He was treasurer of the NW Ohio officials association for about 9 years. He was past president of the Montpelier Athletic Boosters, always supporting local events. He never went anywhere without meeting someone he’d known through his years in sports.
He was a collector of military and Wabash Railroad memorabilia, coins and baseball cards and loved sharing cards with youngsters. He enjoyed playing cards with his weekly poker guys that met for over 40 years. Ron and his wife enjoyed collecting antiques and liked visiting state capitols.
After retirement in 2000, they spent several months in Florida each year during the winter. He especially liked meeting former baseball greats and getting autographs at spring training camps.
But all paths always led to Kunkle, even after 63 years in Montpelier.
He was a 50 year member of the Montpelier Masonic Lodge #547. He, also, was active in the local Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post #109 and served on the honor guard.
Ron was a lifetime member of the Williams County Historical Society and had been treasurer in recent years.
He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Montpelier serving as Elder when he died.
He lived life to the fullest and didn’t hesitate to let his thoughts be known.
Ron was especially proud of his family and their accomplishments. He enjoyed watching and encouraging the three grandchildren in their endeavors.
He is survived by his wife Jacquelyn, daughter Suzette Whetro of Toledo, son, Meric (Amy) and grandchildren Kyle, Alexander and Cassidy Whetro of Delaware, OH, brother Terry Whetro of Bryan, OH, nephew Tim Whetro of Sylvania, OH and brother-in-law Terry (Mary Ann) Youse of Montpelier, OH.
His memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at the Montpelier First Presbyterian Church with Rev. David Tilly officiating, and the Montpelier Veterans to provide Military Rites. Calling hours 9 – 11am before the service. A luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall following the service, with time to celebrate his life and reminisce. Memorials may be made to Montpelier First Presbyterian Church or Donor’s choice. A private interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery at later date.