Ronald “Ron” Allen Colson, 84, Hillsboro, passed away quietly in Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville, with his wife, Jane, by his side, on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at 11:51 a.m.
Ron, as he was known to family and friends, was born at home, near Tangier in Parke County, Indiana. He was the son of the late Howard and Fauniel (Allen) Colson. Ron and the family later moved to Hillsboro, where Ron graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1958.
Following graduation, Ron entered Indiana State University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1962. He later received his master’s degree in 1964 from Indiana State University. In 1963, Ron took a position as chemistry teacher at Lowell High School and worked there until 1965. That same year, Fountain Central High School was built and Ron took the position as chemistry teacher at Fountain Central until his retirement from teaching in 1991.
During this time Ron received his Guidance Counselor Certification in 1990 from Indiana State University and in 1996 received his Guidance Counselor Certification Extension from Ball State University. He then went on to serve as Guidance Counselor at Fountain Central High School until his full retirement in 2002. He served a total of 28 years teaching and 11 years as Guidance Counselor.
Ron loved being a part of the Fountain Central High School. He served as the Public Address Announcer for Fountain Central High School sports for 39 years. He was known as the “Voice of the Mustangs.” Ron enjoyed broadcasting and served as a broadcaster from 1975-2001 for WIAI-99.1 (now WYXY Radio) in Danville. In 2001, Ron joined the broadcasting station KISS Country -103.1 in Covington, serving as a broadcaster from 2001 until health prevented him from broadcasting. He also hosted some episodes of “Hooked on Country,” a music show on cable TV in east-central Illinois in 1985.
Ron was active in the community, serving on the Shawnee Center Board; property tax assessment of appeals for Fountain County; a member of the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers; Indiana School Counselors Association; Indiana Retired Teachers Association; Golden Mustang Club; Music in the Heartland Society; Illinois Country Music Association; Hoosier Auto Racing Fan Club; Midwest Old Timers Vintage Race Car Club. Ron was an active member of the Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene, serving on the church board and men’s group.
Ron was a people person and never met a stranger. He often said being around young people at school kept him young. He cherished the memories and friendships of former students. He was thankful for the experiences and friendships of those he met through education, music, sports and broadcasting. He was a big fan of USAC racing and INDY car racing. He especially enjoyed the Indianapolis 500 mile race. Ron was also a big fan of Butler basketball and Notre Dame football. His greatest love was being with his family and his personal relationship with his Lord and Savior.
On Oct. 25, 1967, Ron married Jane Elaine Alberich in Crawfordsville. Ron leaves behind his wife of 57 years along with two children, Lance (Lisa) Colson, Westfield, and Laura (Kevin) Steuerwald, Brownsburg; three grandchildren, Lauren (Tate) Marsh, Paige Colson and Nina Steuerwald; two step-grandchildren, Taylor (Jake) Fischer and David Steuerwald; two great-grandchildren, Hazel and Henry Marsh.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Brady Steuerwald.
Friends may call at the Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene, 453 State Road 341, Hillsboro, on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at the church on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Greg McDonald officiating. Burial will follow in the Kingman Fraternal Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene or to the Brady Foundation (thebradyfoundation.org).
Condolences may be sent on line to www.mausfuneralhome.com.
