COLUMBUS
Ronald Lee McGathey, 92, a resident of Columbus, Indiana, passed from this life at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at his home.
Mr. McGathey was born October 20, 1931 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Daniel and Ila McGathey. On June 26, 1952, Lee married Lois Newland of Indianapolis.
Lee, as he was known to his friends, was a devoted, loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He lived his life for ‘the good,’ both for the benefit of and as an example for his family and dear friends and continues to do so even after his death.
Lee was preceded in death by Lois on October 2, 2020, as well as his parents, Daniel and Ila (Harrison) McGathey, sisters Marguerite Dunn, Mildred (Mickey) Burton, and brothers Robert, Raymond and Roland.
He is survived by his loving family: Randal McGathey of Boston, Massachusetts, daughter-in-law, Christine McGathey of Bradenton, Florida, and Linda Leszcynski of Columbus; son-in-law, Tony Leszcynski of Columbus; grandchildren, Grace McGathey, Claire (Eric) Shappell, Joe Leszcynski, Sara (Jake) Maggard and Michael (Edina Bailey) Leszcynski; great-grandchildren, Kameron, Charlotte, Xander, Irelynn Anders, Malcolm, Theodore and Conrad; and several nieces and nephews and people who became family members by mutual choice.
Lee was a salesman with a broad territory across south central Indiana representing Central Supply Company then subsequently Mutual Pipe and Supply, both of Indianapolis. He then joined Dunlap Mechanical of Columbus as a project manager, managing projects such as the Columbus North High School Auditorium and Natatorium. He and Lois later owned and operated the Alley Frame Shop with their daughter Linda for 15 years.
In addition to the primacy of family in his and Lois’ life, Lee loved golf with the community of friends with whom he shared the passion for that game. Fishing with family replaced golf in his later years.
He and Lois were also committed to a group of lifelong friends with whom they shared a powerful friendship over their lifelong journey.
Mr. McGathey was a faithful member of The Rock.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024 at The Rock, 3990 Rocky Ford Road, Columbus, Indiana 47203; with Pastor Brian Buterbaugh officiating.
Family and friends may gather for visitation from 10:30 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Rock or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 East 17th Street, Columbus, Indiana 47201, cards are also available at the funeral home.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home and Crematory.
