Ronald Lee Garard

Ronald “Ronnie” Lee Garard, 86 INDIANAPOLIS – Ronald “Ronnie” Lee Garard, 86, passed away at 4:13 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2020 at his residence in Indianapolis surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 7, 1934 in Indianapolis to George Garard and Mamie (Turner) Garard-Vincent-Armstrong. Both of his parents preceded him in death. Ronnie married Joan (Kolesar) Garard on October 3, 1953 in Clark County, Indiana. He retired in 1989 after 53 years as a plumber and was a member of the United Pipefitters Association-Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 440 Union. He also formerly owned and operated Fireside Taxidermy for 35 years. Ronnie never met a stranger he would often make friends everywhere he went. He had a heart of gold and was very generous. He was kind, funny and genuine. He had a sense of humor and his smile and laugh was contagious. He loved his family and spending time with them always brought joy to his life. He enjoyed hunting, coon hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He was the Golden Glove Featherweight Champion in 1953. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Joan Garard of Indianapolis; children, Jack Douglas (wife, Lisa A.) Garard of Indianapolis, Thomas Gene Garard of New Palestine, Vickie Louise Garard - Barry of New Palestine, Debra Sue “Debbie” Garard - Bewley of Indianapolis and Bud Ellis of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Patrick Garard, Christopher (wife, Brittney) Garard, Tim Garard, Madison (spouse, Lindsey) Simpson, Clayton (wife, Hailey) Garard, James “Jim” (wife, Emily) Barry, Scott M. Barry, Frances J. (husband, Chris) Mays, Natalie J. (husband, Matthew) Prater and Leo Bewley; great-grandchildren, Karyle, Kayla, Hailey, Allie, Lucas, Austin, Adam, Izaiah, Reagan, Addison, Izzi, Reed, Mason, Norah and Micah; brother, Marvin Louis (wife, Jerrie) Garard of Indianapolis; half-sister, Louzetta Moore of Scottsburg; son-in-law, Tim Bewley; several nieces and nephews. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Vernon “Nip” Gene Garard, sisters, Nancy Soeurt and Patty Ann Meltinos. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46229 with Chaplain Charlie Sawyer officiating. Entombment will follow at Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel in Indianapolis. Due to Covid-19 we want to make families and visitors our utmost priority. We ask that rules and regulations according to the CDC. We ask that you practice social distancing and we will have hand sanitizer available. Mask are required at the funeral home. We would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674 Keplinger Funeral Home, 509 N. High St., Hartford City is in charge of arrangements. Please utilize our website at www.keplingerfuneralhome.com or our Keplinger Funeral Home Facebook Page to send online condolences.