Ronald Ray King

Age 77, of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away at home on Friday, August 8, 2025.

Born July 6, 1948, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Ron was a son of Roy and Luella (Hurst) King. He was raised and educated in Kokomo, Indiana, and graduated from Kokomo High School with the class of 1966. Ron furthered his education at Indiana University Kokomo. On September 18, 1968, he married Vivian Strebin in Kokomo, and together they built a loving family.

Professionally, Ron devoted most of his career to the steel industry, spending nearly twenty years with Continental Steel and nine years with Connecticut Steel before retiring.  He was an avid reader and a history enthusiast with a deep interest in the Civil War. He enjoyed woodworking, especially with oak, had a passion for fishing, and was a true all-around sportsman.

Survivors include three children: Melissa Wesson of Pittsboro, Indiana, Elizabeth Schroeder of Wilmington, and Nathan King of Manteno, Illinois; and four grandchildren: Courtney Wesson, Andrea Wesson, Andrew Schroeder, and Lucas Schroeder.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian; his parents; and his son-in-law, Mark Wesson.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington, where Ron will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorial contributions be made in Ronald’s memory to Moments Hospice.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs, and share Ron's memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory (815-476-2181).