Ronald C. Grimes , age 84 of Elwood, entered into Heaven on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 surrounded by his family at Elwood Health and Living following an extended illness.  He was born August 27, 1935 in Indianapolis, the son of Orville L. and Marcella C. (Hansing) Grimes.  Ron was a 1953 graduate of Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis.  After graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served in the 19 ^th Infantry Regiment.  During his service, he was stationed in Korea where he worked at a prisoner of war camp and also worked in the Demilitarized Zone.  Later, he attended Butler University and Indiana Central College to further his education.  Ron lived in Elwood for many years.  Ron worked as a licensed insurance agent and district manager in the insurance business for 35 years.  He worked with American Family Insurance Company in Anderson, Columbus, and Greenfield for over 25 years until 2000.  Ron later worked for the Harrington-Hoch Insurance Agency in Richmond until final retirement in 2009.

Ron was an active member of "Go" Ministries in West Manchester, Ohio and a member of the American Legion.  He enjoyed Colts football; was an avid fan of the Indiana Pacers; and enjoyed fishing.  Ron especially loved Indy Car Racing and attended numerous races and time-trials at the Indianapolis 500.  He also enjoyed reading his Bible and helping with church outreach missions for many years.  Ron was known for liking good doughnuts and Starbucks coffee.  He was a faithful band booster and supporter of the Elwood Panther Band while four of his daughters were active in band and even beyond those years.  Ron was also very proud of his military service and was patriotic until the end of his life.  More than anything, Ron was devoted to his family and always put them first in every way.

Ron's family includes the mother of his 4 beloved daughters, Linda Southern of Elwood; daughters, Dana (husband Pastor Derek) Duncan of Poughkeepsie, NY, Stephanie (husband Tim) Hoel of Elwood, Heather Grimes of Indianapolis, and Tricia (husband Shane) McCorkle of Elwood; brother, Harry (wife Faye) Grimes of Indianapolis; 11 grandchildren who affectionately knew him as "Popaw", Andrew (wife Carlin) Duncan of Ft. Benning, GA, Jonathan Duncan of Los Angeles, CA, Elizabeth (husband Austin) Hill of Adams, MA, Megan Hoel of Indianapolis, Brandon Hoel of Elwood, Tiffanie Hoel of Evansville, Tyler Hoel of Evansville, Hannah Haskett of Indianapolis, Emiley Haskett of Indianapolis, Brantley McCorkle of Elwood, and Karli McCorkle of Elwood; 5 great-grandchildren, Cooper J. Hoel, Solara Duncan, Marcus Duncan, Mira Branham, and Baby Hoel who is due any day; and a niece and 2 nephews.  Ron was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sons, infant Anthony Grimes in 1963 and Ronald M. Grimes; brother, Jerry Grimes; and niece, Debbie Grimes-Farris.

A funeral service celebrating Ron's life will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with his son-in-law, Pastor Derek Duncan and Pastor Doug Townsend, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery in Elwood where military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army and Elwood V.F.W. honor guard.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the service on Tuesday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.