This week’s Donuts For Do Gooders winner is Ron Kimes. Ron, and his wife of 61 years, Deeanna, are very familiar faces in our community. Both worked at Ottawa High School for three decades , Ron as a teacher and counselor, Deeanna as a teacher. Ron was a “military brat”, growing up for much of his life in Japan & France. Ron graduated from high school in 1961 in Verdun, France ,then went on to attend Evangel College, where he met and married Deeanna.
He learned he was going to be drafted, but wanting to make his own choices, he went to Richards Gebaur Air Force Base to enlist; but learned they “wouldn’t take married men”. He decided to enlist in the Kansas Army National Guard, right here in Ottawa, Deeanna’s hometown. That led to a 21 year military career…during his tenure, Ron says one of the highlights of his career was meeting General Omar Bradley while at Fort Bliss. General Bradley was the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and served under George Patton for a time earlier in his career.
Upon retiring from the military, Ron finished his degree at Baker University with a major in physical education and a minor in english. Ron is currently a member of the Vietnam Vets of America Chapter #912 here in Ottawa. Congratulations Ron and thank you for your service to our Great Nation!
