Ronald Watson

Ronald J. Watson, age 82, of Dover, died Wednesday, August 20, 2025, following a brief illness, while in the care of Ohio’s Hospice Truman House at New Philadelphia.

Born on April 28, 1943, in Barnesville, Ohio, Ron was a son of the late Virgil and Virginia Law Watson.

Ron was raised on the family farm in Quaker City, Ohio where he learned early on the value of a hard work ethic, a skill he carried with him throughout the remainder of his life. As a 1961 graduate of Quaker City High School, Ron furthered his education at Franklin University in Columbus where he obtained an Associate Degree of Engineering.

Ron entered into the United States Air Force Air National Guard and served his country during Vietnam as a Boom Operator for the 160th Air Refueling Group. Ron had obtained the rank of Sergeant during his tenure with the Air Force and was honorably discharged from Active Duty in 1966. Shortly after, his eye caught the attention of a young lady named Martha Chorey, and following a brief courtship, the two were married in St. Michael’s Catholic Church at Pleasant City, Ohio on June 1, 1968. Throughout their 57-year marriage, the couple enjoyed traveling and living in Naples, Florida.

Ron had a deep passion in life for his career and loved talking to anyone he encountered about the importance of reinforcing steel, rebar couplers, concrete, and the products used in the industry. Following more than 25 years with the Hausman Steel Corporation, in 1992, Ron began working for BarSplice Products of Dayton and in 1994 was asked to relocate to Florida to build the company’s presence in the South-Eastern United States. Through a lot of traveling and hard work, he accomplished what he set off to do, becoming a trusted salesman, instructor, and consultant. In his retirement years, Ron was called upon to represent his company at various trade shows and maintained a working relationship with the firm up until his late 70s.

Aside from his family, traveling, and his career, Ron enjoyed classic cars. He served on the Board of Directors for the Cool Cruisers of SW, Florida, Naples, and maintained many classic cars himself through the years; his “baby” however, was a 1988 - 35th Anniversary white Corvette. Aside from his cars, Ron enjoyed yard work and collecting Lionel Trains.

In addition to his wife, Martha, Ron is survived by his children, Rhonda (Terry) Notary of California, and Mark (Laura) Watson of North Carolina; grandchildren, Skye, Willow, Phoenix, and Finn Notary; his sister, Dee Barile, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Ron was preceded in death by a sister, Vivian Lusch, and two brothers-in-law, Don Lusch and Joe Barile.

In keeping with Ron’s wishes, a private family service is planned for a later date in the Mount Zion Church at Quaker City, Ohio with inurnment to follow in the church cemetery. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling arrangements.

In gratitude for the excellent care and compassion shown to Ron and his family during his illness, the family requests memorial contributions in his name be directed to the Ohio’s Hospice Foundation, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.