Former Grant County Sheriff, Marion Mayor, and Grant County Commissioner, Ron Mowery died Monday.   

Ronald “Ron” Wayne Mowery, 81, of Marion, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:10 am on Monday, October 30, 2023.  He was born in Bicknell, Indiana, on October 16, 1942, to the late Vernal and Beulah (Page) Mowery. On June 10, 1960, he married Carol Lynn (Helm) Mowery, who survives.

Ron lived a decorated life serving the community. Prior to starting his police career, he worked at Owens-Illinois, bringing home the first family dog, Tramp, a dog that was lost and then found. Working to provide a living for his young family, he worked at the local grocery store and installing furnaces with his father-in-law, Ernie Helm, Marion Fire Chief.  Ernie wanted to get Ron on the Fire Department; however, Ron’s fear of heights squelched that.  Ron informed Ernie his true desire was to be a police officer and that was all that needed to be said.   He began his life of service with the Marion Police Department in 1965. He soon found himself moving upward in his police career serving in many positions--moving into the two most prestigious roles on the police department, successfully serving as Assistant Chief and then Police Chief for the City of Marion. These two leadership positions set forth the groundwork that built many more years in public service.  He served as Grant County Sheriff for two terms and Mayor of Marion for two terms. Being a young man looking for his place in the world, Ron knew what it was like to struggle and try to find his feet.  One of Ron’s greatest accomplishments was creation, navigation, and implementation of the Marion PAL Club (Police Athletic League) program. The PAL Club provided opportunities for athletics for the youth of Marion and a home away from the day-to-day disadvantages that some experienced.  Ron was an advocate for inclusion and believed youth was Marion’s most cherished commodity.  Ron, along with a strong professional support system, also brought to fruition “Cruisin’ in the Park”, Matter Park Walkway of Lights, and worked on the improvement of Marion as an entirety.

With all of Ron’s many accomplishments he achieved throughout his life, no other accomplishment compares to the relationship that he built with the Lord that carried him throughout his life.

Ron is also survived by his daughter, Renee Lynn (Mowery) Michael and son-in-law, Brian Michael of Greenfield; son, Ronald Mowery, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Stacey (Fitzjarrald) of Swayzee; brother, David (Chris) Mowery of Carmel; sister, Wanda Mowery Brown of Hope; sister-in-law, Carolyn Joy Mowery; four grandchildren, Brett (Jacque) Michael, Brittani (Chris) Maxwell, Brooklyn (Josh) Smith of Greenfield, and Brandy (Brittany Pierson) Mowery of West Lafayette; and nine great-grandchildren, Aiden Brian, Lilli Lynn, Ruby Rae, Colton Brett, McCoy Alan, Roxi Rose, Bristol Raine, Charli Anne, and Nora Renee.
 

Preceding him in death were his father, Vernal Mowery; his cherished and beloved mother, Beulah Page Mowery; and his brother, Clifford “Cliff” Mowery.

The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Grace Community Church, 1810 E. Bradford Pike, Marion, IN.

Immediately following the time of visitation, a memorial service to celebrate Ron's life will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Tom Mansbarger officiating.

Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.