Ron Mart, 65, died peacefully at his home on October 5 after fighting a courageous battle with bladder cancer. Ron was born October 31, 1947 to Vincent Herbert and Elizabeth (Bouc) Mart of Spencer, Iowa. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1966 and from Iowa State University with a degree in industrial education in 1971. He then enlisted in the US Air Force. He learned Russian at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, worked at the National Security Agency, and served a tour of duty in Turkey before being honorably discharged in 1975. He owned American Made Construction Company in Des Moines, Iowa for several years before managing tenant construction for a number of shopping center developers around the country, including Glimcher Realty of Columbus, Ohio. Everyone who knew Ron knew he loved a joke. To be in his company was to ensure much laughter and joy. Although he had wisdom and compassion, he also had the sparkle and generous spirit of a child. He was a talented woodworker who made beautifully crafted boxes. He loved riding his motorcycle and playing cards. He was a wonderful father, friend and neighbor. Ron loved the Lord deeply. He was a member of the Lighthouse Fellowship Church and especially enjoyed Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Those who knew him will miss a funny, strong, wise, caring Christian man. Ron is survived by his wife, the former Cathy Suter Hensley from Virginia; daughters Tanya Nelson (Pat) of Charleston, SC and Tasha Mart of Des Moines, IA; sons Jason Mart and Matthew Hensley (Josey), of Columbus, OH; and three grandchildren: Keeley, Scotlynn and Ella. He is also survived by sisters Joan (Rafael) Sanz of Albacete, Spain; Sandy Abel of San Jose, CA; and Marge (Rick) Lochmiller of Valley, NE; Teresa Thompson Kinsey, the mother of his daughters; and numerous nieces and nephews. At Ron’s request, his remains will be cremated; the family will receive friends from 11:00 to 12:00pm, Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Stonybrook United Methodist Church, 485 Cherry Bottom Rd., Gahanna, Ohio where the memorial service will be held at 12:00pm. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Ohio Health Hospice staff for their loving, faithful and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, Ron requested that memorial donations be made to Gahanna Residents in Need or to the Ohio Health Hospice. Checks can be made payable to G.R.I.N., c/o Mifflin Presbyterian Church, 123 Granville St., Gahanna, OH 43230 or to Ohio Health Hospice, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, OH 43214-3463.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6