Ronald (Ron) Surber, 81 of Crawfordsville, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville under the care of Guardian Angels hospice after a long illness with congestive heart failure.

Ron was born on April 12, 1938 in Crawfordsville to Vola I. and Ester L. Russell Surber.  He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1956.  He served in the National Guards for 7 years in the 38 ^th Infantry earning commendation for his outstanding service during his units training period.  Ron was    installed as master of Montgomery Lodge No. 50 for the year 1970. He was a Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Mason for over 50 years.

He was married to his love of his life, Janice (Jan) J. Zachary Surber on June 29, 1958. They had been married 61 years.  She survives.  Ron is survived by his sister-in-law Rozella Surber; sons Gregory K. (Michael Creasy) Surber and Michael Ray (Lesa Ann Myers) Surber, and daughter Janna Kay Surber; grandsons Ty Alan Gilstrap and Jeffrey Braden Surber, and granddaughter Jordan Kay Gilstrap.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stillborn sister Linda Kay, and brother Gary Duane; his in-laws Kenneth and Frances Zachary; and his son Jeffrey Allen Surber.

Ron worked at R.R. Donnelly and Sons and Miller's Shoe Store, prior to joining Ken's Liquor family business until his retirement in 2001.  In retirement, Ron worked part-time for several years at the Crawfordsville Golf Course; playing whenever he could.  Ron was a member of the Kiwanis Club for many years where he used his joy and skill in cooking to support the fund-raising pancake breakfasts and spaghetti suppers.

Ron was a family man who enjoyed immediate family and extended family and friend gatherings, cook-outs, holiday meals, and celebrations together.  Through the years, he was an active supporter of any and all activities of scouting, theater, and sports played and performed by his kids and grandkids.  Ron was a handy-man who never knew a project he wouldn't try to tackle.  He was a great neighbor and friend to many.  Ron seldom knew a stranger, at least not for long.

Due to the current health concerns private services will be held, with a public celebration of life at a later date. Please consider expressing online condolences at www.huntandson.com

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Animal Welfare League or charity of donor's choice.