Ronald Richard Day

Ronald Richard Day, 89, of St. Louis, MO, formerly of Bryan, TX, passed away at St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, MO. Born on June 8, 1935, in the heartland of Iowa, Ron's early years were shaped by the family's pottery business in Shelbina, MO.

Ron's life was one of continuous growth and learning. After graduating from Shelbina High School, he furthered his education at the University of Central Missouri, ultimately earning a bachelor's degree in journalism from Mizzou. His academic pursuits were complemented by a period of service in the National Guard, demonstrating his commitment to both personal development and civic duty.

Embarking on a career that would span decades, Ron's first job as a photojournalist at the Champaign Daily Gazette paved the way for a series of increasingly influential roles in the printing and publication industry. His expertise and leadership were recognized at the University of Illinois, where he ascended to the position of assistant plant manager for the University Press. Later, his professional path led him to become the plant manager for Indiana University's printing service in Bloomington, IN. Ron's career journey continued in the nation's capital with Jane's Publications, followed by a significant role at the World Bank. His passion for higher education remained a constant, eventually guiding him back into the academic realm, where he managed in-plant printing at the University of Texas at Galveston and concluded his illustrious career at Texas A&M University.

Ron's retirement was anything but idle. He channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into a glass repair business, restoring valuable glassware at antique shows nationwide, a pursuit that dovetailed with his love of searching for treasures at Saturday morning garage sales. Whether it was glassware, tools, or anything he thought he could repurpose, he delighted in the hunt and the opportunity to give new life to old items. Suffice it to say, this master craftsman was frequently found at his workbench. Whether building or fixing, his hands were rarely still. His skills in woodturning led him to join the American Association of Woodturners. Years prior, he sowed into the lives of his sons and many other young boys by getting involved with the Boy Scouts. Ron's commitment to his community was further evidenced through his active membership in a number of Masonic Lodges, to the point that he was a Past Master at both Friendswood and College Station. He was also a member of the Knights Templar, the final order joined in the York Rite, demonstrating his dedication to defending the Christian faith.

A man of many interests, Ron loved the simple pleasures of fishing and boating and was often found at local lakes or off the coast of Galveston Island. His green thumb was put to good use in his garden, growing produce to share with friends and family. He also indulged his creative side by making his own wine — though not without a few mishaps, as prematurely corked bottles sometimes led to unexpected popping! Ron was also passionate about photography for much of his life, capturing beautiful portraits and family memories, albeit with an impressive array of equipment that made vacations quite the endeavor! Back home, he'd head to the basement to develop his own film, a pastime that he enjoyed for many years. His eye for picturesque beauty never dimmed, as he was known to relish the tranquility of watching sunsets, especially on the California coast where his son John lives. Ron's sweet tooth was just as well-known, with Snickers bars becoming a staple in his later years, always kept in supply by those who knew him best.

Above all, Ron Day was a devoted family man. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his sons, James Bryan Day & wife Karen (St. Louis, MO) and John Edward Day & wife Susan (Los Angeles, CA). He was a proud grandfather to Jacqueline Day and Samuel Day, who will carry forward the light of his spirit.

He married Shirley Erwin on May 23, 1959, and they enjoyed 56 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on July 29, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Bryan Irvin Day & Leola D. (Robison) Day, and by his brother, Irvin Day & wife Verna.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 30th, at Mound Cemetery, rural Jasper County, IL, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating the service. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine, IL is in charge of arrangements.