Ronald Bob Kelch

Ron was born to Bob and Ella Marie Kelch on August 4, 1946, in Antioch, California. He adored his older sisters, Naomi and Doris and loved being the youngest of three children. He spent most of his life in Antioch and graduated from Antioch High School in 1964. Shortly after graduation, Ron joined the National Guard, proudly serving his country receiving an honorable discharge in 1972.

Ron’s lifelong passion was cars, which he turned into a career of more than 25 years painting and restoring cars with pristine detail. His first car was a white 1952 Ford Crestline, which he loved working on with his sister Doris and favorite brother-in-law, Jerry. With his careful attention to detail and craftsmanship, Ron rebuilt his pride and joy: a red 1934 Ford coupe. You could hear and see his beautiful car miles away. Throughout his life, he traveled across the country with Peggy and many friends to attend car shows and sprint car races.

Ron was a proud member of The Elks. In retirement, he could often be found having Friday coffee with his best friends Ellis, Ted, Glen, and Jim. And on Wednesdays, he would drive his 1934 Ford to pick up his grandchildren from school, then treat them to a Slurpee and a candy bar.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Peggy Kelch; stepdaughters Lisa Duncan and her partner, Jeff Beck, of Oakley, California; Dana Beeckman and her husband, Ken Beeckman, of Chico, California; grandchildren Laci Gonsalves, Izzy Beeckman, and Cole Beeckman; sister Doris Zimmerman of Antioch, California; and nephew Dale Zimmerman of Australia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Ella Marie Kelch; his sister Naomi Rogers; and his brother-in-law Jerry Zimmerman.

Ron lived a wonderfully full life; his greatest joy was being a Papa to Izzy and Cole and spending time with family and friends.

What is your favorite place?

“I don’t have a favorite place. I have my favorite people. And whenever I’m with my favorite people, that place becomes my favorite.”

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 26, at 11:30 a.m. at Union Cemetery, 11545 Brentwood Blvd., Brentwood, California.