ELKHART -- Ronald L. "Ron" Neff, 61, of Elkhart, died at 4:27 a.m. Friday (Aug. 22, 2008) at his home.

He was born Jan. 20, 1947, to Frank Leroy and Ethel Rochelle (Shelton) Neff. On May 8, 2008, he married Judy A. Zimmerman in Waxahachie, Texas.

She survives, along with two sons, Bobby Neff of Michigan and Branden Sutherland of Elkhart; four daughters, Deana Neff of Michigan, Paula (Mike) Hann of Syracuse, Melody Nonnemacher of Elkhart and Ashley Nonnemacher of Edwardsburg, Mich.; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and Don Neff; and one sister, Barbara Ryman.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. A graveside service will be Wednesday at Oakridge Cemetery in Bristol. The United States Marine Corps. Honor Guard and DAV Chapter 19 will render military honors at the cemetery.

Mr. Neff worked at Hy-line Enterprises as a metalman until 2005, retiring due to health. He was a graduate of Bristol High School and then entered the United States Marine Corps with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 6th Marines, where he served from 1965 until his honorable discharge in 1968. He was awarded the Vietnamese Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal and received a Purple Heart. He was a 38-year member of the American Legion Post 143 in Bristol and a life member of DAV Chapter 19 in Elkhart.

He enjoyed bowling, golfing and playing poker with his friends. He was proud of his service to his country.

Online condolences may be sent to www.billingsfuneralhome.com.