NORTH FORT MYERS
Ronald S. Estell
After spending “just about a perfect day” with Patricia L. Estell (nee Tolan), his wife of nearly 55 years, Ronald S. Estell took Buddy the Wonder Dog for an evening walk near his home in N. Ft. Myers, Florida. We never imagined it would be the last stroll with his canine companion, but we’re grateful his final hours on Tuesday, October 17, were full of joy, a fitting end to a joyful life.
Ron Estell was born in Indianapolis on December 27, 1942, to George W. and Mary Alice (nee Arnold) Estell. The second of six children, he is survived by brothers David, Rex, and Troy, along with sister Wendy Alberts.
He is reunited with brother George “Sonny” Estell, who passed June 20, 2017. After marrying Pat on November 22, 1962 – Thanksgiving Day – life offered many things to be grateful for, including four children. Katherine, Stephanie and Greg survive him, along with their wives, Jane Lowe, Aleisha Kropf-Estell, and Sarah (nee Thacker) Estell. Infant son Bradley preceded him in death just 23 days after birth.
Grandchildren include Natalia and Irene Kropf-Estell, and Henry Estell. Numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins join in mourning his loss. Ron graduated Southport High School in 1960, and completed two years of study at Indiana Central College (now University of Indianapolis) before entering the meat business with Stark & Wetzel. He would spend nearly 50 years in the food production and distribution industry, with sales and management roles in national and regional meat producers such as Kahn’s, Armour, Taurus Foods, William Weber & Sons, and George’s Distributing. His entrepreneurial endeavors included Mona’s Salads & Meats and M&D Distributing, producers of specialty spice blends, dressings and sauces. He retired from M&D in 2013. Ron was a loyal Freemason, serving as Master of Greenwood Lodge #514 F.&A.M., a Noble of Murat Shrine in Indianapolis, and member of the Scottish and York Rites. Always willing to lend a hand and shake one, he was a Mobile Noble, Past Master, and a happy camper in the RV Club. For family and friends – from Flat Rock to Florida and campgrounds around the country – Ron was a source of wisdom, humor, support and unwavering love. Whether helping with a heart, home or vehicle (computers – not so much), he was a teacher and true Mr. Fix-It.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, October 22, at Greenwood Masonic Lodge #514, 592 N. Meridian St., Greenwood, Indiana. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., with services commencing at 2:30. Camaraderie will continue following the service with a meal in the Lodge Hall. A second memorial service will be held Sunday, November 12, at Bayshore Community Chapel, N. Fort Myers, Florida. Services will begin at 2:00 pm, followed by a light lunch.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider supporting Shriners Hospital for Children in Ron’s memory, https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donate, or Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. The family is grateful for the services of National Cremation & Burial Society for its assistance in our time of need. Your support, kindness and condolences have meant so much to us during this time, and we hope that you will be able to join us as we celebrate his life.
Please access the following link for service details and directions: http://nationalcremation.com/locations/north-fort-myers.
