Ronald Lawrence DePew age 67, a lifelong resident of the Big Rapids community, passed into eternal rest, at his home surrounded by his beloved family on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. He was born October 11, 1948 in Big Rapids the son of Lawrence A. and Margaret J. (Kailing) DePew. Ron was a 1968 Big Rapids High School graduate where he was a member of F.F.A and served as the class secretary. Immediately following graduation Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on the buddy system with his best friend Tom Klasko. Ron was deployed to Vietnam for two years; he served a total of six years in the Marines and earned the rank of Lance Corporal. Following his honorable discharge, Ron returned to Big Rapids where he met Cheryl Trahan at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids; they were married on September 4, 1970 at St. Michael Church in Remus. Rons first job, following the military, was for his uncle Rich Currie at his gas station in Big Rapids. He was employed by Liberty Dairy in Evart as a truck driver for over 30 years. Ron also drove school bus for the Mecosta Osceola ISD, he was a foster parent, an in home detention worker for Eagle Village, and most recently had established "Rons Lawn Service and Snow Removal" . Ron was a lifetime and devout member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids where he was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus and had claimed his own special seat in the pews. He was a die hard fan of the Detroit Lions, the University of Michigan, and McDonalds coffee. Some of Rons best years were playing softball for Mr. Karls team. He enjoyed his tractors and cows; he had up to 27 head of cattle at one time. Ron will always be remembered as a man who loved God, his country, and his grateful family who survives, including his wife of over 45 years, Cheryl DePew; children, Julie Ann (David) Cox of Cadillac, Jennifer Ruth (fianc Fred Lucht) Straub, Mark Ronald (Dawn) DePew of Gaylord; grandchildren, Trevor "Trebber - Mr. Hollywood" Straub, Jordan "Toots" Straub, Travis "T.T." Cox, Logan "John" Straub, Alyssa "Babycakes" Straub, Ryan "Reverend Ryan" Cox, Jacob "Strubble - Jake from State Farm" DePew, Haylee " Ol Hayles" DePew, Jayda "Spayda" DePew and Chloe "Papas Girl and Wawas Girl" Lucht DePew; four brothers, Michael (Sally) DePew, Karl (Joann) DePew, Tom DePew all of Big Rapids, and Father Dan DePew of Custer; and many nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his infant son, Steven Ronald DePew in 1972; his parents, Lawrence and Margaret DePew; two sisters-in-law, Bonnie DePew and Yvonne Misner; and his mother and father-in-law, Don and Marilyn Trahan. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2015 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Michael Burt officiating. Burial will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids with military honors under the auspices of the United States Marine Corps and the Big Rapids American Legion Honor Guard Post 98. The family will greet friends on Friday, December 11th at St. Mary Catholic Church from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m. that evening. The family will also greet friends one hour prior to Mass on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions in Rons name may be given to either, St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, December 12, 2015 11:00 AM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Friday, December 11, 2015 03:00 PM - 08:00 PM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307 Rosary Friday, December 11, 2015 07:00 PM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307