Ronald Ray Kelch

JANUARY 27, 1943 - OCTOBER 15, 2013

Ronald Kelch entered into rest Tuesday, October 15, 2013 in Modesto, CA., at age 70. He was born in Ontario, OR., and his family moved to Modesto when he was 5 years old.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Melody Dawn Kelch and his parents, Lyle and Erlene Kelch.

Ron went to Downey High School where he played halfback starting in 1957 and fullback in 1959. He also played football for the 1st Southern Baptist Church League from 1957-1958. He was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

He joined the US Air force in 1960, where he played semi-pro ball. Ron loved fishing in local lakes, the Delta, rivers and the ocean. He was an avid fisherman and participated in fishing tournaments, which some he won. He was in a leopard shark tournament with his son Ronnie and his friend Bill Tucker, which they won. His favorite fishing trip was to Alaska where he caught many salmon and halibut. He also fished with his wife, sons, sister, brother-in-laws and his good friends. Ron had a generous spirit and he would give you the shirt off his back. He had many special friends, including Rick Friend, who he also fished with.

Ron worked in the masonry business starting with his father, Lyle, then with his uncle, Gerald. Later he joined the Laborers Union and started Commercial Masonry, ending with Bratton Masonry of Fresno, CA., where he made lifetime friends.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Kelch; sons, John Kelch, Brian Kelch, Ronnie Kelch; grandsons, Landon Kelch, Aaron Kelch, Colin Kelch, Ronnie Kelch Jr., Scott Kelch and granddaughter Heather Kelch and was looking forward to a new granddaughter to be born in February; aunts and uncles, many cousins and a great niece and nephew; his brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, many nephew and niece-in-laws, including great nephew and niece-in-laws.

A chapel service will be held on Wednesday, October, 23 at 11:00 AM at Lakewood Funeral Home (Heritage Chapel), 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, CA. Lakewood Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.