Ronald W. Stephan‚ 61‚ of Lynn‚ Indiana‚ passed away at his family farm residence on Saturday‚ Sept. 25‚ 2010. He was born April 8‚ 1949‚ in Greenville‚ Ohio‚ the son of Frederick W. and Ethel M. (Wilson) Stephan. He was a graduate of Randolph Southern High School and served in the United States Army during Vietnam. Ron was 6’5″ and often referred to as ‘Bigfoot’ by children and adults in the community because of his size 17 shoes. His physical stature captured everyone’s attention‚ but it was his gentle nature and generous heart that made a lasting impression.

A lifelong farmer in the Lynn area‚ Ron could often be found helping others. Nothing made him happier than making life easier for someone else. Whether it was plowing driveways in the middle of winter or running errands before the fire department’s annual fish fry‚ no task was too large or insignificant. He served on the Lynn Community Volunteer Fire Department for almost 20 years and was instrumental in fire safety and education of the youth. He could easily be described as a community advocate‚ serving as a member on the Randolph Southern School Board for almost 10 years‚ a Randolph Southern Athletic Booster‚ a member of the Spartanburg Cemetery Board and a Lynn Lions member. His school spirit was unmatched. He loved athletics and supported students and athletes at Randolph Southern religiously. There is no doubt that he loved his community and was always looking for ways to give back.

Ron worked hard‚ but didn’t take himself too seriously. He understood that life was about balance‚ and he made sure to do things he enjoyed. He always had a joke‚ funny story‚ or funny videos on his phone to share with others. He hunted‚ fished‚ went tractor pulling‚ and watched NASCAR every weekend. He was a very ‘real’ man‚ and while he had a genuine appreciation for his community‚ it was his family that he cherished. He was married to Jackie for 38 years and raised two children. Those closest to Ron knew that his granddaughters were the center of his life. He loved taking them for rides on the four-wheeler or tractor. He often visited them at school or brought them lunch. There was never any doubt how much his family meant to him.

Ron Stephan was one of a kind. His dedication to his community‚ school‚ and family are sorely missed‚ but he leaves behind an amazing legacy for anyone who knew him.

A quote by Frederick William Faber describes Ron well: There are souls in this world which have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go.