Ronald L. Kyser

Leetonia - Ronald L. Kyser, 86, passed away peacefully at his home with family members at his side Saturday, May 3, 2025 following an extended illness.

Ron was born April 28, 1939 in Salem, a son of the late John H. and Helen A Simkins Kyser.  He was a graduate of Columbiana High School in 1958 and he played football and ran track. He was an assembler at NRM Corp for 34 years and a member of the International Association of Machinists, Local 1977. He worked for National Feedscrew & Machining, Massillon; Taylor Winfield Corp, Warren; Cleveland Browns; and Cleveland Indians. After retiring, he graduated from the Ohio Basic Police Academy and Corrections Officer Basic Training.  He worked security at the Canfield Fair. He was a 62-year member of Allen Lodge F&AM #276 in Columbiana and a 32 degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite-Valley of Youngstown, and the Italian-American Club of Salem.  Ron was a civil war re-enactor and a member of the 41st Ohio Volunteer Infantry and the 61st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company D for 25 years.  He was an assistant scoutmaster of the Boy Scouts of America, member of the Order of the Arrow, attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and the Maine High Adventure Base. He was an advisor for Junior Achievement, Columbiana Swim Team, and Youngstown YWCA Y-Nauts Swim Team.

He was a member of Greenford Christian Church where he volunteered at the Big Reach Center of Hope.  He volunteered with Motor Racing Outreach at Michigan International Speedway and received the 2016 MIS Cares Michael J. Carpenter Award for selfless service and dedication to Michigan International Speedway.  He was a coach for little league baseball and enjoyed traveling, camping, boating, and fishing with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Loretta Foertch Kyser, who he married on July 14, 1963; his daughter Laurel (Michael) Sobota of Leetonia; his son, Paul (Laurie) Kyser of Parma Heights; his sister Sally Kyser Chamberlin of Leetonia; his brother David Kyser of Poland; his sister-in-law, Nancy Kyser Hofmann of North Venice, Florida; three grandchildren Sarah (Walker) Martz, Rachel Sobota, and John Kyser; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Kyser and his brother, Richard Kyser.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana. Columbiana Lodge will conduct Masonic services following calling hours at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the funeral home. Friends may call for one hour prior to the funeral.

Interment will be in the Columbiana Cemetery.

Contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to Big Reach Center of Hope, % Greenford Christian Church, 11767 Lisbon Road, Greenford, OH 44422 or the Kidney Foundation.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com