Ronald Grayson Skelton, 74, died Saturday, July 20, 2024.  He was a beloved husband, Dad, Peepaw, and Uncle Ronnie.  He was a true Skelton, always putting family and friends before himself.  His family is thankful for the excellent care given by all the medical professionals over the last several months.

Ron was born January 19, 1950 in Canton, OH, son of James and Ramona Foster Skelton.  Shortly after graduating from Glenwood High School in 1968, he joined the Air Force Reserves, serving in the intelligence department.

In 1973 Ron married his high school sweetheart and began a career in Canton, OH as an adjuster in the insurance field with The Ohio Casualty Group.  He was quickly promoted to claims management and continued his work in Hamilton, OH, then Toledo OH, and finally Louisville, KY and retired in 2015 after 42 years of experience.  He was past president of the Louisville Claims Managers Association and the Toledo Claims Association.

A proud 1972 graduate of THE Ohio State University, Ron earned a bachelor of science degree in education. He was a member of the OSU Alumni Association and a passionate fan.  Since 1968 he has been a football season ticket holder.  In addition to his favorite college football team, Ron was also a fan of the Canton McKinley Bulldogs and Cleveland 's Browns and Indians (now Guardians).  He blended his leadership skills and knowledge of sports when he served as former commissioner of the Sylvania OH Baseball League and an all-star coach for numerous of his children's teams: soccer, basketball, baseball, and softball.

As a devoted father and grandfather, he's traveled many miles to watch his children and grandchildren compete and perform.   Examples of his travels are taking Patrick and his teammates to a baseball camp at Mississippi State University, watching Erin compete in Fort Meyers, FL on Transylvania University's softball team, cheering Bryce on while he played baseball for Eastern High School in Myrtle Beach, SC, delighting in Lauren's performance as Gretl in The Sound of Music, and encouraging Grayson as he participates in four sports.  There's no doubt about it, he truly was their #1 fan!

Ron was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and served there as a councilman. And spearheaded several projects.  He was a member of the Canton Jaycees and a VA Hospital volunteer.

As "party planning extraordinaire", Ron was famous for his Derby parties, neighborhood block parties, OSU tailgates and many other social events he organized throughout the years.  He enjoyed the titles King of Jeopardy and Master of Corny Dad Jokes, boasted of knowing a wealth of useless information, enjoyed entertaining his beloved family and friends with all manner of funny antics, and was always a thoughtful gift giver.  In Ron's spare time, he found pleasure in cruising around the lake in his pontoon boat.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Leanne Egner and Jayne Runge; and brother, James Skelton.

Survivors include his wife of over 50 years, Cathy Whitehouse Skelton; son, Patrick G. Skelton; daughter, Erin Wilson (Ryan); grandchildren, Bryce Skelton, Lauren Wilson and Grayson Wilson; brother-in-law, Ron Egner (Linda Danby); sisters-in-law, Barbara Whitehouse (Pat Walter) and Deborah Skelton; nephew, Matthew Egner (Erica) & Ramona; niece, Molly Shear (Bill) & Cora and Everly; nephew, Dan Runge (Amy); and niece, Megan Runge & James, Katie, Lilly and John.

His funeral is 6pm Monday, August 5, 2024 at Fern Creek Funeral Home, 5406 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY, with Pastor Ron Poisel presiding.  Visitation is after 3pm that afternoon until the time of the service.

Committal service is 2pm August 9, 2024 at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens, 5001 Everhard Rd NW, Canton, OH, with the Honorable Richard J. Kubilis presiding and will be followed by a Buckeye themed tailgate celebration of life at Price Park, North Canton, OH starting at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Camp Ho Mita Koda , an overnight camp for Type 1 Diabetic children.