Obituary of Ronnie Dean DeShazer

Ronnie Dean DeShazer, 66, of Niles, had his sunset at his home on January 14, 2020. Ronnie was born on July 11, 1953, in Niles, to the late Fred Pearson and Ethel Mae Maxwell. He grew up in a large family, with thirteen brothers and sisters. Ronnie graduated from Brandywine High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1974. He proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1976. After his service, Ronnie joined M&M Railroad, where he constructed railroads, eventually retiring in 2012. Ronnie cared deeply about his family and placed them first in his life. He also greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors, either gardening or fishing. He liked to build model cars and put together puzzles. He loved listening to music, and could often be found dancing to whatever music was playing. He found joy in being able to prepare food, both by cooking and grilling. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Farries Maxwell Jr., and Freddie Pearson. Ronnie is survived by the love of his life, Margo Reum of Niles; children, Angela Parchman of Jackson, Tennessee, Candy (Noah) Smith of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Charles Thomas of Chicago, Illinois, Cortez Parchman of Niles, Michigan, Heather (Jeff) Lavigne of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Lisa Phelps of Niles, Michigan, Ronnie Barnaby of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Roxanne Phelps, of Niles, Michigan; grandchildren, Akyla Barnaby, Andrew Smith, Brian Macklin Jr., Brittany Parchman, Corterryana Parchman, Cortez Parchman Jr., Courtney Parchman Sr., Danielle Marshall, Devarron Thomas, Jasmine K.B. Smith, Jazmine Lynn Smith, Marquena Parchman, and Ron'Tae Pove; siblings, Anne Maxwell of Boston, Massachusetts, Betty (Greg) Donley of South Bend, Indiana, Cunette Heron of Niles, Michigan, Dottie Davis of Las Vegas, Nevada, Ella Maxwell of South Bend, Indiana, Jeanette Pearson of Niles, Michigan, Jennifer Pearson of South Bend, Indiana, Mary Jackson of South Bend, Indiana, Pamela Bray of Buchanan, Michigan, Vernon Pearson of Niles, Michigan, and Willie Pearson of Niles, Michigan; sister-in-law, Lillie Maxwell; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and close friends. Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 23, 2020, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St. Niles.