Ronald Ray Smarr, 73, Lifetime involvement in sports

He was born January 1, 1930 in Bath, Ohio and was a resident of Vermilion for 48 years, moving here in 1955.

Mr. Smarr served in the U.S. Army-Air Force, which later became the U.S. Air Force. He was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Corporation, Peoria, Illinois as a diesel mechanic and then at General Motors as a welding instructor. He retired as a supervisor for Unites States Steel Corporation, Lorain in 1984 after 30 years.

He had a lifetime involvement is sports. As a youth, he received numerous awards in baseball and Golden Glove boxing. He was scouted as a prospective center fielder by the Detroit Tigers in the early 1950's but declined because he was married with children, deferring the position the Al Kaline. He served as former president of the Vermilion Recreation Board, was instrumental in bringing bantam football to Lorain County, coached minor and major league baseball, and boys and girls softball. He initiated and oversaw the Vermilion umpire training team program for high school students. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing during all seasons.

Mr. Smarr served as a volunteer for the Lorain County Board of Elections as a presiding judge and was also a multiple gallon blood donor with the Lorain County Blood Bank. He was a 32nd degree Mason and was a lifetime member of the Peoria, Illinois Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary Helen (nee Carter); son, Ronald Ray (Rocky) of Grafton; daughters, Judy Griggs of Fremont, Beverly Down of Lake George, New York, Barb Markman of Wakeman, Rhonda Futo of Wakeman, and Debbie Miller of New Castle, CO; brother, Glover Wesley Smarr, Jr. of Mishawaka, Indiana; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glover Smarr and Margaret Snodgrass; brother, Raymond Paul, and sister, Joy Norton.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 28, 2003 at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion at 2 p.m. The Reverend Jim Cooper, pastor of the Vermilion Harbourtown Church, will officiate.

The family suggests memorial contributions to be made to The Animal Protective League, 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.