Ronald Howsmon

Ronald L. Howsmon, age 80, passed away on December 24, 2021.  Because Ron and his younger sister, Barbara, were born on February 2, Groundhog Day carried a special meaning in the family.

Ron graduated from Jonathan Alder High School in 1959 where he was salutatorian of his class.  He has maintained his high school relationships in a group known as "The 59ers" who meet monthly for food and friendship.  For many years, another gathering of friends known as the "Oglebays", traveled to the Oglebay Resort, Wheeling WV over President's Day weekend where they stayed in a rustic log cabin and enjoyed a break from the school year.  To complete the social gigs, and it's unsure whether the wives ever got the truth, the macho "fishing buds" climbed in a truck on which was mounted the boat and headed for Canada to get the "big ones."  Did that happen?  Don't think we ever got the "reel" story but there's no denying the "big ones" got away.

In 1964, Ron graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Agriculture Education.  While at OSU, he joined the Delta Theta Sigma social fraternity. 

Upon graduation, Ron was hired by South-Western City Schools at Pleasant View High School as an instructor in Agriculture/Horticulture subjects and coordinator of FFA projects.  The students affectionately addressed him as "Mr. H".

In 1965, one of the Business Education teachers caught his eye, and Miss Janice Grow became Mrs. Ronald (Janice) Howsmon on July 2, 1966, a marriage which has lasted 55 years.

Ron retired from Westland High School in 1994 as an instructor in Landscape/Horticulture and along with the students, managed a full-scale greenhouse.  He truly liked the students in his classes and the feeling was mutual.

Ron and Jan joined Westminster Presbyterian Church, Columbus OH in 1966 and have been active members over the years.  His service to the church included serving as a Deacon, a member of Session, a longtime member of the Mission Committee, liturgist and usher.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, Alice and "Pete" Howsmon and siblings Keith Howsmon, Janice Roby, Mary Mouser, Betty Meinhardt and Barbara Int-Hout.  He is survived by his wife, Janice Howsmon, a sister-in-law, Marilyn (Cliff) Russell and a cherished group of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Family will receive friends Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 2 -3 pm at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026; where a Celebration of Life service will follow at 3 pm. Family would appreciate that masks be worn. Family inurnment at Somerford Cemetery at a later date.

Gifts to honor Ron's memory may be given to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 222 Schoolhouse Lane, Columbus OH 43228, Columbus Humane, 3015 Scioto-Darby Executive Court, Hilliard, OH 43026, or your favorite charity.