Ronald L. Exline's Obituary
Ronald Exline, age 74, of Centerville died on August 9, 2010 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Ronnie was born May 17, 1936 in Centerville, the son of Otto and LaRue Strickler Exline. He was raised on a farm northeast of Centerville. He graduated from Centerville High School, Centerville Community College, Truman State University and Kentucky College of Mortuary Science, Louisville, Kentucky. Ron earned his Associate of Arts degree in Education and Associate of Applied Science degree. He was a licensed funeral director in Iowa and Missouri. Ron married Barbara Mitchell on October 17, 1958 in Bloomfield, Iowa. Ronnie was a funeral director for over 40 years in Centerville. He started working for Miller-Wehrle Funeral Home in 1959, then for Johnson-Lange Funeral Home and Lange Funeral Homes, retiring in 2003. Prior to joining the funeral home Ron taught school in Grand Junction and Fort Madison Elementary schools. Ron was a member of the 1st Baptist Church in Centerville. He was also a past member of National Funeral Director Association and Iowa Funeral Directors Association. He was known for his quick wit and the stories he could tell. Ronnie loved vintage tractors and enjoyed coffee with his friends. Ron enjoyed playing the organ and piano. For over 30 years on Pancake Day under the Pancake Day tent with Tom Bear. He is survived by his son, Mike Exline of Albia; sister-in-law, Roberta Exline of Centerville; 3 grandchildren, Mark (Tara) Wray of Centerville; Justin Wray of Centerville and Derrick (Becky) Wray of Numa, Iowa and a great-grandson, Cody. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Dan Exline. Funeral services will be 11 AM, Friday, August 13, 2010 at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville with Rev. Dave Higdon officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. A visitation will be held all day Thursday at Lange Funeral Home with family present from 5-8 PM that evening. A memorial has been established to the Drake Public Library and may be left or mailed to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S 18th St Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be left at www.langefh.com
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