March 3, 1930 - Sept. 29, 2012

ELKHART — Ronnie J. Geary, 82, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at Elkhart General Hospital after an extended illness.

He was born March 3, 1930, in Middletown, Ohio, to Estel and Nellie Geary.

On Aug. 31, 1990, he married Judith A. (Copenhaver) Geary in Elkhart.

In addition to his wife, survivors include four daughters, Becky (Leonard) Leach of Granger, Rita (Bob) Parrish of Edwardsburg, Mich. and Sheila Cloud and Shelly Goodenough, both of Tulsa, Okla.; sister Bonnie Calder of Buchanan, Mich.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and special friends Kenny and Jeanne Warren of Vandalia, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son Bruce Geary and a stepson, Michael Ernsberger II.

Ronnie was a graduate of Niles High School.

He later served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 20 years. After his military career, he later worked in the maintenance department at several factories in Elkhart and Michigan.

Ronnie enjoyed airplanes, flying, spending time watching NASCAR and especially being at home with his dog, Bear.

Burial of his cremated remains will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, in Prairie Street Cemetery.

The U.S. Air Force Funeral Honor Guard and DAV Chapter 19 will render military graveside honors.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is entrusted with arrangements.

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