Ronald Dale “Ron” Temple passed away April 30, 2018, with his wife and youngest daughter, Tracey, by his side. He was a seven-year transplant recipient and battled health issues the last several years, facing every one with strength. Ron was born July 1, 1934, to Gerald and Marguerite (Mapes) Temple on their farm near Norcatur in Norton County.
Ron was reared on the family farm along with one brother, Don. He attended Long Branch country school through the eighth grade and Norcatur High School, graduating in 1951. Ron furthered his education at Fort Hays State College in Hays, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education.
During his time in college, Ron met his future wife, Geraldine “Jerry” Peters. They were married on November 12, 1953, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. They resided in Hays while Ron finished his education. Over the years, he taught in Junction City, Norcatur, Selden and Leoville, starting his teaching career in 1959 and quitting to farm fulltime in 1969. Ron coached several basketball and football teams during those years, as well as girls’ volleyball, track, softball and baseball.
Ron and Jerry eventually made their home on a farm north of Norcatur, farming together for many years. In addition, Ron continued to teach and coach for a number of years. Ron and Jerry became the parents of four daughters and were also blessed with six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Ron was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Norton and National Farmers’ Association. He served on the Lincoln Township Board for 30 years, on the USD #294 School Board, as an EMT, and was a member of Cornerstone Theater.
Because of his love of history, Ron wrote two history books about the community of Norcatur. He also loved music and sang in a gospel group, Faith, Hope and Charity. He and Jerry enjoyed traveling overseas and to the Caribbean. Ron was a giant presence in this world and there is a void that his death leaves for those who love him.
He is survived by his wife, Jerry Temple of Norcatur; three daughters, Marcy Wyrens of Lincoln, NE, Suzanne Cahoj (Larry) of Atwood, and Tracey Hartzog (Scott) of Norcatur; son-in-law, Jerry Rhodes of Norcatur; brother, Don Temple (Janet) of Carson City, NV; six grandchildren: Seth Pearsoll, Simone Cahoj Elder (Levi), Marcus Cahoj, Corey Rhodes Grace (Ryan), Jessica Rhodes Williams (Tyler), and Megan Rhodes Amos (Justin); and 14 great-grandchildren: Noah, Ava, Hannah, Eleanor, Henry, Frances, and Abigail Grace; Caden, Tatum, and Paxon Williams; and Jackson, Kylah, Elijah, and Abraham Amos.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald & Marguerite Temple; and a daughter, Lisa Rhodes.
SERVICES
Celebration of Life
Friday, May 04, 2018
2:30 PM
Trinity Episcopal Church
319 State St.
Norton, KS 67654