Ron Sassman, 68, of Blue Eye, MO. Passed away Saturday, December 12, 2009 after a long struggle with Multiple System Atrophy. Ron was preceded in death by his father Marvin, and his brothers Jerry and Steve. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marilyn, mother Lorrene of Marathon, IA, brother Larry and wife Mary of Bondurant, IA, six nieces and nephews, and many many friends.
Ron grew up in Marathon, and attended school there through graduation in 1959. After high school, Ron worked on the flight crew for American airlines, and later as a glazier for Pittsburg Plate Glass and Forman Ford in Des Moines. He served in the Army reserve from 1963-69. In 1975, he went to work for Ryko Mfg. Co., in Grimes, IA as their car wash salesman and later as their midwest factory rep. In 1984, he was transferred to Florida, where he was the Florida territorial sales manager, a position he held until his retirement in 1998. He and Marilyn stayed in Orlando until 2000, when they built a home overlooking Table Rock Lake in the Branson, Missouri area. They continued to winter in Florida for several years. He was able to enjoy many activities, including traveling and fishing, and being with friends and family.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Ron can do one of the following: A fund is being established to purchase needed equipment for the local emergency volunteers who helped Ron many times. Those donations can be sent to Ron’s Fire Fund, 118 N. Cedar, Blue Eye, MO 65611. Donations can also be made to a support group for MSA, which helped him and Marilyn a great deal. They can also be contacted on line at www.shy/drager.org.
In lieu of a funeral service, Ron will be remembered at a Celebration of Life at a later date, and by a memorial luncheon at the Twin Island Estates Clubhouse on December 18th at noon.
Local arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home-Branson, MO.