Lon Willing Ramsey

Lon Willing Ramsey passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, December 30, 2014. Lon was born on Jan. 8, 1920 in Davenport Iowa, where he grew up. He was the son of Norma Klindt Ramsey and Leonidas Willing Ramsey. He graduated from Northwestern University with a BA and was then commissioned in the United States Navy Reserve. He served in WW2 for 3 1/2 years as a commissioned officer, completing his service on the USS Yorktown when the war ended in the Pacific. During a furlough from the war, he married his friend from childhood, Wilmia ("Willie"), with whom he would spend the next 71 years. After his military service, Lon worked in the advertising business in Chicago until he started a decorative accessories company, Bard’s Products. Lon was an avid golfer, painter and conversationalist. He was renowned for his remarkable gift for telling stories, particularly of his travels with Willie, business experiences, his childhood, and WW2. Until his death he continued to paint and to entertain friends and family with his lively stories. Lon is survived by Wilmia Capen Ramsey, his daughter, Heather (John), his sons, Barton and Tyler, and his grandchildren, Tyler (Jaqueline), Corbett (Alexandra), Morgan (Emily), Ashton, Jonathan, Andrea (Andrew) and Leo. He is also survived by his great granddaughter, Capen, and great grandsons, Hugh, Conrad, Lucian and Byron. A son, Lon, predeceased him.A memorial service will be held January 24 at 3 PM at Christ Church, 784 Sheridan Rd., Winnetka Il with a reception following at Indian Hill Club. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Northwestern Settlement, 1400 W. Augusta Blvd., Chicago, IL 60642