Ronald E. Saum

Ronald E. Saum, passed away February 24, 2024, at the age of 89.  He fought a courageous battle with cancer to join “Mah” in heaven. He was born on June 6, 1934, in VanWert, OH and resided in Cortland, OH formerly of Crestline, OH. Son to the late Ronald H. (Rube) Saum and Okle Leah Gekler Saum.

He married Connie Marlene Pickering on January 6, 1955, and they spent 59 wonderful years together. Ron and Connie traveled across all the US States, including Alaska with their Airstream where they slept on a glacier!

He was an active member of Bazetta Christian Church choosing the same pew each Sunday. He loved and cherished his family and life. He made sure every grandchild vacationed to the OBX or to their winter resort in Casa Grande, AZ. 

He was a graduate of Crestline, OH High School 1952. He played football, baseball, basketball, and had a beautiful alto-tenor voice in their acapella choir. After graduation he began his career as a GM Skilled Tool and Die Tradesman and retired after 35 years.

He was a car enthusiast and was quite knowledgeable to the many Chevrolets makes and models. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he trained beagles and German Wirehairs, and belonged to NAVDA. 

He was a member of numerous clubs and groups including being the founding father of the Buckeye Big Buck Club, holding every office and was the longest living member. He had many trophies including record non-typical whitetail deer. A Member of Ohio Airstream Club, Lincoln Highway Clubs both Eastern and Mid-Ohio Chapters, and the Greenville Skeet and Trap club

He enjoyed OSU Buckeye Collegiate Football watching many games at the Shoe and Rose Bowl with his father and family, he also enjoyed NASCAR Racing which included traveling to Vegas to view the race yearly with family.

Other hobbies included reading daily, a plethora of dog, gun, car, or travel trailer magazines, the numerous newspapers front to back, and many history novels.  He was a self-made meteorologist knowing the forecast when to artfully groom his lawn, knowing the daily water temperature of nearby Mosquito Lake, knowing or measuring just how much rainfall we had for the month!

He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Saum Hyde (Don) of Cortland, OH; granddaughter, Jessica Hyde (Eric), great grandson, Colin (Ashley), grandson, Jeffrey (Lindsey), great granddaughter, Violet Marlene; son, Ted E. Saum (Pamela) of Cortland, OH; son, Kirby R. Saum of Cortland, OH, grandson, Jacob Saum (Helen), great grandson, Jacob Jr., great granddaughter, Lyla, granddaughter, Annina Saum, great grandson, Ronnie, great granddaughter, Maya, great great grandson, Romeo, grandson, Elijah Saum (Anna), great granddaughter, Ellie, great grandson, Lucas; son, Mickey L. Saum (Lisa) of Burghill, OH; grandson, Matthew Saum (Roxanne), great granddaughter, Eleanor, granddaughter, Stephanie Hornyak (Jake), great   granddaughter, Willow, great grandsons, Walker, Wyatt, great granddaughter, Wrylee, grandson, Zachary Saum (Brittany); sister Bonnie Saum Kemle, and many loved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his sisters, Maudine Saum Hunt, Celestine Saum Stewart, and Permelia Saum Bower. 

His wishes were to have his ashes spread at the Outer Banks with wife Connie at a future celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts can be sent to Bazetta Christian Church, Cortland, OH. 

The family is in the care of Lane Funeral Home, Shafer-Winans Chapel. Online condolences can be made at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.