Ronald "Toad" Thompson

Ronald L. Thompson, “Toad” age 85, of Westerville, OH, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 1, 1938, in Columbus Ohio. Ron graduated from Linden McKinley High School, Class of 1956. He excelled in baseball and football at Linden. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Ron married the love of his life; Andrea “Sue” in 1963.

Rons’ career in the beverage business spanned over 40 years. He worked for 7-Up/RC and finished his career with Pepsi. Ron received many awards while at Pepsi including “Dr. Pepper’s National Salesman of the year”. Ron had an instrumental role in fund raising for the Central Ohio Diabetes Association as well as the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund. Ron was well known and liked in his profession and had worked his way up from loading trucks to advertisement and sales. Ron truly loved the relationships built and lifelong friendships created throughout his career.

Ron was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Ron enjoyed family gatherings, attending kids and grandkids sporting events and family vacations. Ron and Sue were fortunate to travel the world. In retirement, Ron enjoyed working on his wood sign projects and bird houses.

A dedicated Buckeye Fan, Ron enjoyed attending every home game for many years. Ron was once deemed “Fan of the Week” by Scarlet and Gray. Ron had a special booth at the Varsity Club and often stood up on a table to lead “Give me an O!” He enjoyed traveling to away OSU games with family, colleagues and a very special group of friends named the “Cronies” of which Ron was considered the “Grand Po-Paw”. Ron loved the Cleveland Indians and Browns and along with family attended many games with the “Oak Hill Gang” from which he will be missed.

Ron is often described as one-of-a-kind. Ron had a full life. Ron raced cars, played semi-pro football for 7 years with Pope’s Inn as part of the 1962 undefeated champions of the Buckeye League, boxed in the Golden Gloves, golfed and belonged to the Sky-Dive Parachute Club where he enjoyed the adrenaline rush of jumping out of airplanes. Ron had an art and drawing talent and enjoyed decorating for holidays, especially Halloween. He liked scary movies, the History Channel and Judge Judy. He had a taste for white castles, milkshakes and pizza. He enjoyed sitting on his porch with a cold bud light and a big cigar. Ron had a deep love for animals.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Amy Powers (Mike) of Marysville, daughter, Sherie Lowe (Mark McKibben) of Westerville, son Ron Thompson (Nicole) of Lewis Center, 6 grandchildren including Michael Powers (Erin), Steve Powers (Jamie), Tommy Powers (Amber), Matthew Lowe (Abbie), Andrea Myers (Matt) and Adam Lowe, 11 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter, brother-in-law, Michael McNerney, sister-in-law, Marty McNerney, nieces, nephew and his loyal companion, “Tank” whom is now in the care of his loving granddaughter, Andrea.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille Thompson (Bateman) and John L. Thompson, sister Linda Hamner (Dana “Frog”), mother and father-in-law, Edna and William McNerney, and his precious baby daughters, Rhonda Sue and Faith Ann. Ron was a Christian and we are confident he is in heaven.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 7th, 2023, from 2pm until 4pm and 5pm until 8pm at Schoedinger Funeral home in Worthington, OH, 6699 North High St., Worthington OH, 43085. Funeral service will be held Friday, December 8, 2023, at 11am, at Schoedinger funeral home. Interment will follow at the Resurrection cemetery. In the spirit of “Toad”, please feel free to wear OSU colors at the calling hours.

The family would like to extend special thanks for the exceptional care provided by the Mt. Carmel Hospice team and compassionate staff at the Landings of Westerville.

The family requests no flowers and in lieu of, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Carmel Hospice (1144 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43215), the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society at LLS.org or (LLS Ohio River Valley P.O. Box 22443 NY, NY 10087-2443) or the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund (c/o Lowell Dencer 6740 Worthington Road, Westerville, OH 43082).