ASHTON — God called Ron Dean, 80, of Ashton, IL home on Sunday, June 9, 2024, after a series of complications from cancer.

Ronald Allen Dean was born August 5, 1943 in Dixon, IL to Robert and Helen Dean in Dixon, IL. He graduated from Ashton High School, Class of 1960 and studied auto mechanics in Omaha, NE. He worked one year for the Lacey Garage in Oregon, IL and over 30 years as a Master Mechanic at Sawicki Chevrolet (now Jeff Perry Chevrolet) in Rochelle, IL. Ron met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Susie” Wixom and they were married at the Ashton UMC on September 15, 1973. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2023.

Ron was a member of the Ashton UMC, a 50-plus year member of the Ashton Fire Department, the Ashton EMTs, Ashton Legion Post 345, and the Ashton Masonic Lodge #531, AF and AM. He held several offices in each. He served in the US Army during the Cold War, stationed in Fort Hamilton, NY, St. Louis, MO and Heidelberg, Germany, rank SP-5. He also served Ashton as a councilman in the mid 1970's.

Ron enjoyed new, antique and classic cars; he followed NASCAR and Chicago Bears football. For many years, he drove area veterans to their appointments at the Veterans Hospital in Iowa City, IA. He also delivered cars for Sawicki’s in his retirement. His prized possession was his 1975 Chevy Caprice Classic convertible, often seen in Ashton parades.

His loved ones include his wife, Susie of Ashton; son, Jeff (Teri) of Sublette; four grandchildren: Tyler (deceased), Cory (Julie) of Mendota, Erin (fiancé, Jake) of Dixon and Dallas of Sublette; four great-grandchildren:  Carmen, Piper, Liam, Bennett; his brother, Norm (Melanie, deceased) of Winnebago, IL; his sister, Nancy (John) Woodin of Cincinnati, OH, his brother-in-law, George (Ruth) Wixom of Mendota, IL, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a great many friends. The family would like to thank the staff of Liberty Village and the Hospice care team for their wonderful care of Ron.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at the Ashton United Methodist Church, 906 Richardson Avenue, Ashton IL.  Masonic Rites will be held following the visitation. Ron’s Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, June 13 at the Ashton UMC, with Pastor Jan Shaulis officiating and followed by a luncheon hosted by the church. Burial will be at the Ashton Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Army and the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard. Memorials can be made to the Ashton United Methodist Church or to the Ashton Fire Department. The Unger-Horner Funeral Home has assisted the family with the services of Ron. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.