Obituary of Ronald Dale McKenzie

Ronald D. McKenzie Sr., 83, of Kalamazoo passed away on Saturday morning, January 18, 2020 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born on February 26, 1936 in Augusta, Michigan to the late Howard “Mac” and Lettie (Barrington) McKenzie. On April 20, 1954 Ron was inducted into the U. S. Army serving his country until April 4, 1956 when he was honorably discharged. It wasn’t too long after leaving the service that he met and fell in love with Judith Ann Panfil and the couple was married on September 25, 1958 in Battle Creek, Michigan. Ron was a hard worker and worked in the asphalt business for nearly thirty years. Not being able to sit idle, Ron and Judy went back to work traveling throughout the United States delivering trailers and R.V’s. Together they drove hundreds of thousands of miles traveling to almost all fifty states. In his free time Ron enjoyed fishing, hunting and time spent outdoors, often collecting unique rocks. Ron and Judy moved to Florida and lived there for almost seven years, where he found great enjoyment in golfing. The couple moved back to Michigan in 2016 to spend more time with family. Ron’s grandchildren were his pride and joy and those who knew Ron would know that he and his dog Ralph were inseparable. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and five sisters; and his beloved friend, Ralph. Ron is survived by his loving wife, Judy McKenzie of Kalamazoo; a son, Ronald McKenzie Jr.; a daughter, Marilyn McKenzie as well two grandchildren, Kaylee McKenzie and Jeremy Davault all of Vicksburg. He also leaves to cherish his memory countless other family members and friends. Funeral services to celebrate Ron’s life will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at New Hope Apostolic Church at 6900 E. Drive N. in Battle Creek. A time of visitation will begin at the church at 11:00 a.m. The United States Army will render Full Military Honors at the interment at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Ronald D. McKenzie Sr., 83, of Kalamazoo passed away on Saturday morning, January 18, 2020 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born on February 26, 1936 in Augusta, Michigan to the late Howard “Mac” and Lettie (Barrington) McKenzie. On April 20, 1954 Ron was inducted into the U. S. Army serving his country until April 4, 1956 when he was honorably discharged. It wasn’t too long after leaving the service that he met and fell in love with Judith Ann Panfil and the couple was married on September 25, 1958 in Battle Creek, Michigan. Ron was a hard worker and worked in the asphalt business for nearly thirty years. Not being able to sit idle, Ron and Judy went back to work traveling throughout the United States delivering trailers and R.V’s. Together they drove hundreds of thousands of miles traveling to almost all fifty states. In his free time Ron enjoyed fishing, hunting and time spent outdoors, often collecting unique rocks. Ron and Judy moved to Florida and lived there for almost seven years, where he found great enjoyment in golfing. The couple moved back to Michigan in 2016 to spend more time with family. Ron’s grandchildren were his pride and joy and those who knew Ron would know that he and his dog Ralph were inseparable. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and five sisters; and his beloved friend, Ralph. Ron is survived by his loving wife, Judy McKenzie of Kalamazoo; a son, Ronald McKenzie Jr.; a daughter, Marilyn McKenzie as well two grandchildren, Kaylee McKenzie and Jeremy Davault all of Vicksburg. He also leaves to cherish his memory countless other family members and friends. Funeral services to celebrate Ron’s life will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at New Hope Apostolic Church at 6900 E. Drive N. in Battle Creek. A time of visitation will begin at the church at 11:00 a.m. The United States Army will render Full Military Honors at the interment at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. In keeping with Ron’s spirit of being relaxed in his blue jeans, they invite everyone to wear their jeans to his funeral service! Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Ron’s memory may do so to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Memories of Ron may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles. Ron will be remembered for his smile, his laugh, hard work ethic and genuineness.