Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Ronald Douglass Silcott

Jan. 9, 1936 - Jan. 10, 2008

 

South Bend Tribune 1/13/2008
SOUTH BEND - Ronald Douglass Silcott, 72, of South Bend, IN passed away at 8:50 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2008, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, after a lengthy illness. He was born on January 9, 1936, in Gary, IN to Ralph R. and Katherine (Scherer) Silcott. After the death of his father, he, his mother and brother, Ralph, moved to Ottawa, Illinois where they spent their childhood. Ronald was owner or manager of several retail stores in the area including Silcott Surplus Sales, Lifestyle Waterbeds and was instrumental in bringing the Wholesale Club to Mishawaka.

 

On November 28, 1975, in South Bend, IN he married Linda (Richardes) Silcott who survives. Ronald and Linda are the parents of eight children, Ronald (Karen) Silcott Jr. of West Yellowstone, MT, Kathryn (Daniel) McGee of Austell, GA, Babbette (Ken) Roberts of Stockton, GA, Ellyce (Gary) Thornton of LaPorte, TX, Bethany (Stacey) Robinson of O'Fallon, MO, Jennifer (Jason) Born of Mishawaka, Melinda (Christopher) Bennett, and Jonathan Silcott of South Bend. They have eight grandchildren, Daniel (Lisa) McGee, Rebekah McGee, Andrew, Austin & and Adam Thornton, and Grace, Evanna and Grant Robinson. He is also survived by his brother, Rev. Ralph (Loma) Silcott of Rapid City, SD.

 

Ronald served in the United States Army, stationed at Staten Island, New York, where he was involved in a special missile project in the late 1950's. He was an active member of the St. Joseph County Republican Party and showcased the "Elephant" at numerous parades throughout the state. Ronald helped grow Redeemer Missionary Church, Trinity Evangelical Free Church and is the past administrator of Grace Bible Church of South Bend, where he is currently a member. He was also a leader in the Michiana International Fellowship who helped expose foreign exchange students to the community and Christian teachings.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 14, 2008, in Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave, South Bend. Rev. Ralph Silcott will officiate. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Friend may visit with the family from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Ronald Silcott may be offered to Grace Bible Church, 1252 McKinley, South Bend, IN 46617