Ronald R. Whitcomb

WHITCOMB, Ronald R.
Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away Friday, September 5, 2008. He was born September 22, 1941 in Grand Rapids. Adopted by William R. and Doris Burns Whitcomb, he was raised by William and Mary N. Whitcomb after Doris' death when he was five years old. Ron graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelors and Masters in Education Administration and was a teacher in the Gull Lake Public Schools for 17 years. After leaving the field of education, he worked in the automobile repair industry for approximately 20 years. Ron was a long time member of Westwood United Methodist Church, attending services regularly and serving in numerous capacities for church committees and programs. In recent years, Ron became a vocal advocate for awareness and research of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, the disease that caused his death. Ron also enjoyed camping, canoeing, square dancing and loved to spend time with his grandchildren. On December 23, 1961, he married Ellen Moored, who survives. Ron is also survived by his children, Clinton R. Jean, Lynn Adel and Shepherd Kristin; grandchildren, Daniel, Madeline, Camryn, Lillian and Evelyn; a brother, Keith Betty Allhands; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday at 11:00 AM in the Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Rd. with Rev. Dr. Wayne Price officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 4-8 PM. Memorial contributions may be given to the Westwood United Methodist Church or the Alpha-1 Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. www.langelands.com 343-1508