Ron Derrickson

Ronald Kent Derrickson of Straughn, Ind. went home to his Lord and Savior on Sept. 15, 2021 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Jeani of 39 years, children Anthony (Natalie) and Kristina (Brice), grandchildren Audrey, Ellie, Anna, Isabelle, and Barrett as well has his mother, Bette, brother Mike Derrickson (Gretchen), nephews Josh and Nate, and niece Lindsey. He is preceded in death by his father, J.R., father-in-law Gene J. Plummer, and an angel baby.

A 1981 graduate of Tri Jr. Sr. High School, Ron was a lifelong resident of Henry County and made a significant impact on his community during his time here on earth. He was a press operator, die setter, and union safety official at Ford/Visteon for 26 years. He also served as a firefighter first for Wayne Township Station 10, later as Lieutenant on the first full-time day shift EMS crew in Dublin, and finished out his career as Assistant Chief at the Straughn Volunteer Fire Department. 

His family was his greatest joy and loved nothing more than being a Papaw. He did anything and everything for his grandbabies, treating them to wonderful experiences. He loved to give them tractor rides, snuggle in the chair, and tell them how much he loved them. He was ever-present for his children, immensely proud not only of their accomplishments, but simply for being who they were. He was always on the sidelines, cheering them on, and encouraging them to do their best. Dad was their confidant, comforter, and hero.

He loved to go on trips, finding joy at the beach, lake, and mountains, several times with his grandbabies in tow. He always made time to stop at the local antique shops, getting a thrill from the hunt for a deal or finding something special. 

He served as a strength and conditioning coach for the Tri Jr. Sr. High School football team, always pushing his kids to do better than their best. His love of strength training pushed him to become a powerlifter, winning state championships in powerlifting in the 1990’s. 

All summer, you could find him at the racetrack, visiting the best dirt tracks Indiana had to offer, often making trips throughout the Midwest for Indy Car races with his family. Ron was a lifelong racer and car owner, fielding his own go-kart team in the RoboPong 200 in 2015. He had a love of vintage race cars and hoped to restore and race one in the future. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Ron’s memory by spending time with your family, visiting a local dirt track race, and enjoying a glass of sweet tea or lemonade on the porch. 

A public calling will be held on Monday, Sept. 20 from 4-8 p.m. at Marshall & Erlewein in Dublin, Ind. Rite of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church in New Castle, Ind. on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest at the New Lisbon Cemetery, toward the back corner, near the field, just as he wanted.

The family requests you wear your favorite racing shirt and jeans for both the calling and funeral mass in Ron’s honor. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ron Derrickson, please visit our floral store.