Ronald Lee Harner

Ronald Lee Harner, age 80 years, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 6:58 PM near his home. Ronald was born December 13, 1937 in Johnson County Illinois. He was the eldest son of Carl Preston Harner and Sarah Gail (Fairless) Harner. On November 29, 1957, Ronald was united in marriage to Floy J. Simmons in Vienna, Illinois by Hazel Mahan, Justice of the Peace. In addition to his wife, Ronald is survived by: his children – Ronald Lee Harner, Jr. of Goreville and Sandra Harner of Vienna; 5 grandchildren – Gregory Lynn Corzine, Jr., Veronica Jo Thomas Byer, Jessica Corzine Ellis, Brittany Nicole Harner and Dillon Lee Harner; 3 great grandchildren – Krista, Brianna, and Leilanna; 3 brothers – Carl Dennis (Pat) Harner, Dallas (Charlene) Harner, and David (Donna) Harner all of Vienna; a sister – Linda (John) Ming of Cypress; sisters-in-law – Darlene Harner and Nancy (Billy) Belford; a brother-in-law – Michael Simmons; a special niece – “Kimmie” Bent as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by: a daughter – Julie Harner Thomas; and a brother – Michael Ray Harner. Ronald had worked in the molding department of Paramount Textiles in Kankakee. Following the family’s return to Johnson County, Ronald was employed by Southern Illinois Stone, Inc. as a dozer operator and later as a foreman at the Buncombe quarry. He retired after 34 ½ years service. Ronald was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and spending time riding on his gator. Ronald also is remembered for his love of attending auction sales. Ronald was a member of the Kankakee Sportsman’s Club. As a youth, he was saved and baptized at the Oak Grove Baptist Church and remained a member of that congregation throughout his life. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, March 17, 2018 at 1 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Pete Vinson will officiate. Burial will be in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday evening, March 16, 2018, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Ronald Lee Harner

December 13, 1937 - March 13, 2018