Ronald Dean Bushaw

Ronald Dean Bushaw, age 74, of Plant City, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 6, 2021. He was born November 4, 1946 in Edgewood, Iowa, the son of Lloyd and Marjory (Hofer) Bushaw.

Ron graduated from Ed-Co High School in 1964 and enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He graduated first in his class at the United States Army Medical Service Veterinary School and was stationed at Boston Army Base in Boston, Massachusetts as a Portion Cut Food Inspector. He was honorably discharged from the 1st Cav Division in May 1970 at rank of SP5. Ron moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa upon discharge and at Wilson Meat Packing Co. as a USDA Government Meat Inspector and later a manager in meat processing. From there he moved to Chicago to run operations at the Chicago Food Processors. Ron relocated to Canton, Ohio in 1977 and was named Operations Manager of the Food Service Division of Sugardale Foods Inc., and was promoted to Plant Manager at their new facility named Carriage Hill Foods in Salem, Ohio in 1986. Ron accepted the Citizen of the Month Award as well as the Employers of the Year Award as presented by the city of Salem to Carriage Hill. Ron relocated once again to Plant City, Florida in 1990 where he was Vice President of Lyke's Meat Company for 13 years. Ron later moved to Waelder, Texas to become President of J-Bar Beef Foods, from which he retired from his career in 2012.

During his retirement, Ron became an avid WWII collector who enjoyed sharing his deep knowledge about the military and displaying his Military Collection around Florida during Veteran's celebrations. In 2018, Ron published a book entitled "That Old Jacket" featuring the stories and photographs of the WWII uniforms that you would find in your grandfather's closet. The book tells the story of every Military division that fought in WWII.

Ron was united in marriage to Lila Phelps in Colesburg, Iowa on June 25, 1966. Together they had four children. Survivors include his wife Lila of Plant City, Florida; one son: Brian Bushaw of Los Angeles, California; three daughters: Kara (Andy) Kane of Mesa, Arizona; Rebecca (Scott) Clements of Polk City, Florida; and Rachel Williams of Plant City, Florida; three grandchildren: Karina Casey of Tucson, Arizona; Samantha Williams of Plant City, Florida; and Aaron Riddle of Polk City, Florida; six brothers and sisters and their spouses as well as one brother-in-law and wife.

Ron loved his God and his country. He was a Deacon at Griffin Baptist Church of Lakeland, Florida and an avid antique car collector. He dearly loved his wife and family. He will be missed. A private memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Bushaw family.