Ronald Kunkle “Soup Bone,” age 74, from Bourbon, passed away peacefully in his home Jan. 14, 2025, surrounded by his family who loved him dearly.
Ron was born May 6, 1950, in Mansfield, Ohio. Ron enjoyed watching and playing many sports. He participated in wrestling and played baseball through his high school years. He spent a lot of his time at the boys and girls club where him and his friends enjoyed boxing also.
Ron would marry his sweetheart, and life partner, Christi Barker Kunkle, on Nov. 26, 1971. They cherished 53 years together side by side welcoming two daughters, Rene (Ryan) Smith, of Virginia Beach; and Kelli Thornburg, of Bourbon. Ron was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Darren Harrell, of Bourbon; Sierra (Matthew) Hart, of Bourbon; Raigan (Preston) Ojeda, of Florida; Quentin, Tyler, Natalie, Anthony and Andrew Thornburg, all of Bourbon; Jackson and Emersyn Smith, of Virginia Beach. His grandkids all loved and cherished their grandfather dearly, along with five great-grandchildren and another one on the way.
Ron was an avid football lover who never missed a game if his team was playing. He was a stock owner of his beloved Green Bay Packers and he never missed watching his Ohio State Buckeyes play.
He always had a passion for cars. His first classic was a ‘55 Chevy, then later he took pride with his 1970 GTO that he would take to many cars shows and events. Ron also enjoyed participating and watching drag racing over the years.
He was an avid dog lover and spent many years breeding and training Dobermans. He raised many over the years. His dogs were the most loyal dogs you’d ever meet and always by his side every minute.
Ron was known for his good sense of humor, bringing laughter to all family gatherings. He always made sure there was never a picture taken without him pinching someone, earning him the reputation of being the life of the party with his orneriness.
Along with his immediate family he will be missed by his sister, Sharon (Dan) Sturgill, of Warsaw; and his brother, Gary Kunkle, of North Webster; along with many nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Emmett Kunkle; and his mother, Rheta Kunkle-Wuertley.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Ron Feb. 1 from 2-6 p.m. at the Etna Green Heritage Community Building located at 132 W. High St., Etna Green. Please come and offer your condolences to the family and in honor of Ron wear your Red (for Ohio State) or Green (for Green Bay Packers). It will be sure to make him smile.