By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
12 Comments
  • Visitation

    Private

  • Service

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  • Full Obituary

    Ronald L. “Ron” Bookhout formerly of West Salem, Cisne, Albion, Clay City, And Salem, Illinois, passed away peacefully Monday, January 23, 2023, at Richland Care and Rehab in Olney.

    Ron was born November 6, 1939, in Marion County, IL. to Glenn and Helen (Mann) Bookhout.

    He married Mary Patricia “Pat” Barry on April 26, 1958. After nearly 53 years of loving marriage, she proceeded him in death. He later married Shirley Lemke with whom he shared his final years of faith, family, and friendship. She survives.

    Ron was a graduate of Salem Community High School and Southern Illinois University School of Mortuary Science. He was a licensed funeral director for over forty years in the communities in which he lived. He had a passion for his Christian Faith, he loved to sing, and truly enjoyed fishing as much as anything.

    He is survived by his wife, Shirley Bookhout, daughter Ronda (Kevin) Lowe, of Cisne. Sons Mike (Angie) Bookhout of Salem, Richard (Marina) Bookhout of Cisne, and Kevin (Trish) Bookhout of Olney.

    Fourteen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.

    Ron was proceeded in death by his parents, a son, “Jim”, and his brother Joe.

    Private visitation and family services will be held Friday afternoon at the Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home in Cisne with burial in the Cisne Cemetery.

    In memory of Ron, memorials may be made to Oil Belt Christian Service Camp.

    Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com

    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

12 Condolences
 
  1. Parvin and Carolyn murbarger / January 24, 2023 at 4:51 pm

    The best fishing buddy of all times we had loads of fun.

  2. Mark McGuire / January 24, 2023 at 4:59 pm

    I grew up in Salem, and Mike Bookhout (Ronnie’s oldest) was, and still is, the best friend I ever had. As such, I was a regular fixture in the Bookhout household, and pretty much considered myself Ronnie’s sixth child. My parents had divorced when I was about 7, and Ronnie helped fill the void created by my own father’s absence. He and Pat treated me like one of their own, and many of life’s more important lessons, I learned, along with Mike, from his dad.

    I left Salem over 40 years ago, and have not seen Ronnie in all that time. I have kept up on his well being through Mike, and made sure to send him a card at Christmas. That does not seem nearly enough now, considering all the mentoring, care and attention that he paid me when I was young. He was a man of considerable faith in his God, and if there is a greater glory for those who believe in it, I’m certain that he has been rewarded in finding it, and is content.

    Lastly, to Mike, Rhonda, Dickie and Kevin, I think I loved your folks almost as much as you did. Thank each of you for allowing me to be a part of your family. My sincerest and warmest wishes always.

    Mark McGuire
    Spring Branch, Texas

  3. Gloria J Kieffer / January 25, 2023 at 8:07 am

    We remember Ron as an avid Cardinals fan and a fisherman. We took Ron and Aunt Shirley fishing on the Wabash for catfish which was different than crappie and bluegill but Ron still enjoyed it. So sorry for your loss. Tony and Gloria Kieffer.

  4. Marilyn Brock / January 25, 2023 at 11:12 am

    I went to school with Ron and Pat. We enjoyed a bus trip to Yellowstone with Ron and Shirley when they were first married. He entertained us with his singing. Wonderful family. He will be missed.

  5. Carolyn Matchett / January 25, 2023 at 6:48 pm

    Ronda I am so sorry for your loss, I always enjoyed talking with your dad, about fishing or his two grandson Trenton and Tyson.Love and Prayers for you and all of the family. 💕🙏💕

  6. Virgil E. & Rosalyn A. Uphold / January 26, 2023 at 10:57 am

    We wish to give our condolences to the family of Ron Bookout. May the God of All Peace and Joy be with all of you in this time of sorrow. Our Prayers and thoughts go with all of you.

    Your friends in Christ: Virgil and Rosalyn Uphold

  7. John and Darlene Hosselton / January 26, 2023 at 6:30 pm

    Mike, Ronda, Richard & Kevin- We are sorry for your loss. Ron w as a good friend and we enjoyed working with him. May you feel God’s comfort.

  8. Barry Waggoner / January 26, 2023 at 11:57 pm

    We were Neighbors with the Bookhout Family back in the mid 60’s and I was good friends with Mike, and jim also. I remember Mr Bookhout very well and he was always so good to us kids, and invited us into his home with open arms! I always enjoyed being over at their house. I see Mike occasionally now because we both go to the Rock Church! My thoughts, Prayers and sincere condolences are with each and every one of the Bookhout Family! Rest in Heaven Mr Bookhout! 🙏
    Sincerely, Barry Waggoner

  9. Darla Gray / January 27, 2023 at 7:52 am

    I had the pleasure of knowing Ron for a very short time learning he was a kind, smart, considerate and honest man. Kevin and Trisha you have my deepest sympathy during this difficult time.

  10. Rene Boyles / January 27, 2023 at 12:36 pm

    Thinking of you all today. Uncle Ronnie was the best griller around when I was a kid and I miss those times just as I miss all of you and growing up. He’s going to be greatly missed but I know he is Home. Rene

  11. Marcia Craig / January 27, 2023 at 4:04 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss! Ron and Pat were such special people!

  12. Barbara Daniels Parady / January 29, 2023 at 5:27 pm

    Ron was my favorite second cousin. While I hadn’t seen him since I left Salem after high school, I have fond memories of talking to him at family gatherings, even a hike in the woods behind Harvey’s Point church. He was just such a decent and nice man. I’m sorry for your loss.

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