Ronald E. Klein

A memorial service, to celebrate the life of Ronald E. Klein, age 89, of Newark, will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, withPastor Gus Andrewsofficiating. Military honors will be provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.Ronald was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 6, 1925 to the late George and Grace (Neibaum) Klein. He passed away peacefully on February 2, 2015 at the Selma Markowitz Care Center, while surrounded by his loving family.Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army Air-Corp during World War II. He received his Bachelors Degree from Case Western Reserve University. Ron was the owner and operator of Ron Klein Buick-GMC dealership in Newark for 35 years, from 1967 to 2002, receiving numerous national awards over the years from General Motors for his outstanding sales, service and excellent customer satisfaction.Ron was a Devotee of Avatar Adi DA, the way of the heart and was very active with the Elderhostel. He was a member and past president of the Newark Lions Club; past president and board member of the Licking County YMCA; former member of S.C.O.R.E, which mentors young business professionals; Cleveland Federation of Musicians; Newark Maennerchor; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, #391 in Newark; and former member of the Newark Rotary Club.Ron was an avid runner, starting the Rompin Ron 10k run for diabetes and also ran marathons into his 60s. He enjoyed tennis, photography, playing the drums and was a drummer/percussionist with the Dukes of Lickingland Band. Ron was a man of integrity, he was honest, selfless, and loved to help his community and others. He loved his family dearly and the family looked upon Ron as Our Father, Our Hero. Ron wanted everyone to know that Im Okay.Surviving are his children, Kathy (Danny Faller) Klein, Fred (Kathy) Klein, Lynne (Tracy) Manifold, Grace (Kevin) Bebout and Ron J. (Zulay Perez) Klein; daughter-in-law, Teresa Klein; Sweetheart, Alexandra Simakis; grandchildren, Zachary Klein, Jason Klein, Seth Klein, Joseph Klein, Thomas Klein, Christian Ghiloni, Jessica Thomas, Eric Bebout, Kassandra Klein and Marissa Klein; brother, George (Marty) Klein; sister, Myna (Fred) Karkalik; mother of his children, Anna Mae (Mintos) Klein; 16 great grandchildren; one great grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one son, Steven J. Klein.Memorial contributions may be made in memory or Ron to Foundation For Hospice of Central Ohio, P.O. Box 430, Newark, Ohio 43058-0430 or the Central Ohio Diabetes Association, 1100 Dennison Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201.Friends may call at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street, Newark on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, two hours prior to the memorial service, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for the Klein family.