Ronald Prince

May 6, 1929 - August 18, 2018 (Age 89)

Ronald Prince of Dewitt, Michigan, passed away on August 18, 2018 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Lansing, Michigan on May 6, 1929, and was raised by foster parents Jesse and Kate Palen in Mason, Michigan.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on May 8, 1946 at age of 17. He saw action during the Korean conflict where he sustained serious injuries while engaged in combat operations and was awarded the Purple Heart. Following his recovery, Ron landed an assignment in Camp Pendleton, California where he developed one of his closest friendships in the Marine Corps with the late Master Sergeant Orville Jones. Ron would eventually join Jones working for one of the most famous warriors in Marine Corps history, General “Chesty” Puller.

He married his beloved wife, Joan, on March 4, 1951. Following an Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps on August 15, 1952, he joined Oldsmobile Division of General Motors in Lansing where he worked in Plant Security, the Suggestion Department, and as an Industrial Safety Representative until his retirement in 1994.

Ron loved spending time with his family on his farm northwest of DeWitt, where he raised horses, and enjoyed time in the woods. Ron treasured his friendships with other local farmers and horsemen Ed and Tommy. He was an avid reader of western and Native American history. He enjoyed western art and his many trips to the states of Wyoming and Montana with his family, and loved antique shopping with his wife. He had a particular fondness for Cody, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, and Glacier National Park.

Mr. Prince is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan. They have three children, Patricia, Michael (Debbie), and John (Wendy), and five grandchildren, Robert, Benjamin, and Madeline Prince, Erin Prince, and Matthew Osborn.

A private Memorial celebration will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School,1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325.