Ronald E. Whetstone, 92, a lifelong resident of Dover died Saturday, November 13, 2021, in the Community Hospice Truman House at New Philadelphia following a recent period of declining health. Ron was employed by Greer Steel for 35 years until his retirement in 1990. While working for Greer Ron spent his Fridays and Saturdays refereeing high school football and basketball across the state until his official retirement in 1984. In 1986 Ron was elected to the Eastern District Football Officials Association Hall of Fame.
Born December 28, 1928 in East Liverpool, Ohio, Ron moved to Beloit, Ohio, and was raised by a very special couple, Harry and Lotty Haberland. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Stutz who died February 19, 2004.
Ron was a 1946 graduate of Beloit High School and was quick to tell you he graduated in the top 10 of his class, which was made up of 4 boys and 3 girls. Upon graduation, Ron went to work for Western Union. He then went on to proudly serve in the army during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged in November of 1952. Ron moved to Dover in 1955 and it is there he met his wife of 51 years, and together they were proud to raise their two sons in the Dover Community.
During his retirement years, Ron volunteered his time to help across many of the sporting teams of Dover High School, including track, baseball, basketball, and football. His two main passions were football and basketball. For football, he ran the clock for many years, including the 2021 football season. He was very proud to have been the scorekeeper for the basketball team. Ron joined Bob Von Kaenal when he took over the head coaching job at Dover and this relationship lasted for 31 years with Ron completing the 2020 basketball season. He was very appreciative of the fact that he met hundreds of young men, women and dozens of coaches over his years of working in Dover Athletics. He considered them extended family, and this kept him going after the loss of his wife Charlotte in 2004. In addition to his time with Dover Athletics, Ron spent several years as a ticket taker for The Ohio State football program. He also enjoyed his time playing cards with his buddies at the Elks, and his Thursday night card games at the home of Tom Ferris, a longtime friend, and the gang that gathered every Thursday.
Ron will be missed by his two sons, Scott (Paula) Whetstone of North Canton, and Todd (Virginia) Whetstone of Sugarcreek along with grandson David (Emma) Whetstone, Denver, Colorado, and granddaughters, Kelly (Ian Strickland), Durham, NC, Jenna (Andy Greene), Columbus, Ohio, and Rachel Chippindale, Columbus, Ohio. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, August (David and Emma), Jaxon, twins Baker and Carter (Jenna and Andy).
At his request, he will be cremated. A private family graveside service will be held for Ron. There will be no calling hours, and those wishing to express a fond memory of Ron can do so through the online guestbook by visiting the Toland-Herzig Funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice at 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or the Dover High School Athletic Department at 520 N Walnut St, Dover, OH 44622.
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Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory
803 North Wooster Avenue
Dover, Ohio 44622
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com