Ronald Eugene Smithburg

Ronald Eugene Smithburg, 77, of Salem passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at his home.

 Ronald was born on February 6, 1947, in Fairfield, the son of Wilbur and Avis (Conner) Smithburg.    He joined the United States Navy in 1964 as a Hospital Corpsman.  He served on the USS Enterprise for one year off the coast of Vietnam.  Ronald was honorably discharged in 1968. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Jean Leveling on January 10, 1966 and they just recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.  Ron worked for 35 years with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, and the last years of employment as a Track Inspector.  In his free time he enjoyed deer hunting, fishing at the family’s cabin and mushroom hunting.  One of his favorite times was having coffee every morning with his friends at Kramer’s.  Ron especially loved to spend time with his family and taking his grandsons to the movies. He raised large gardens and enjoyed sharing his harvest with others.  One could find Ron in his shop, rebuilding many Ranger trucks and spending time with his friends who would stop by to visit.   

 Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Marilyn of Salem, his children, Greg (Andi) Smithburg of Mt. Pleasant, Rondi Smithburg of Salem, his daughter-in-law, Michelle Smithburg, his six grandsons, Jacob (Beth) Smithburg, of Rochester, Minnesota, Brandon (Rylee) Smithburg of Fairfield, Dylan (Malory) Smithburg, of Fairfield, Gage Smithburg, of Boone, Grant Smithburg of Mt. Pleasant and Joseph Smithburg, of Atlanta, Georgia and his great granddaughter, Nessa Marie Smithburg, his three sisters, Margaret Wilson, of Deltona, Florida, Debbie Musick, of Chariton and Chris Stringfellow, of Meridan, Mississippi, his brothers-in-law, John (Marilyn) Leveling, of Ft. Madison and Jerry Vickers, of Mt. Pleasant, his special grand dog, Odie, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Andrea Smithburg, his son, Brad Smithburg, his brothers, Fred Shaffner and Raymond Smithburg and his sister, Marie Mendenhall.

 Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Salem Congregational Church in Salem with Pastor Kevin Dice officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will be conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard.  Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant where the family will be present from 4 to 6 p.m. that evening. A memorial has been established in his memory.

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