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Visitation: 2 until 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Private interment will take place in Orchard Hill Cemetery
Ronal “Ron” Lawrence Gambrel, age 79, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Friday, January 23, 2026, at his home.
He was born January 20, 1947, in Mt. Carmel, the son of Ronal Jule and Alberta (Yoho) Gambrel. He was united in marriage to Janice Elaine “Susie” Musgrave in 1967, and she preceded him in passing on May 26, 1987. He later married Donna Jean Venable on May 7, 1988, in Kentucky, and together they shared 37 wedding anniversaries until her passing on May 9, 2025.
A graduate of Fairfield Community High School, Ron began his working career at the Red & White Food Store in Fairfield, where he served as manager until 1988. He then joined NAL in Flora, where he spent the next two decades as Supervisor over the Shipping and Receiving Department, working from 1988 until his retirement in 2008.
He was a member of both the Flora and Fairfield Elks Lodges and valued the friendships and fellowship he found there. In his free time, Ron was a devoted Corvette enthusiast and enjoyed collecting Native American artifacts.
He is survived by his children: Ronal Lawrence Gambrel Jr. of Geff, Scott Alan (Morena) Gambrel of Salem, and Kali (Ryan) Strong of Flora; 7 grandchildren: Cameron Gambrel, Nicholas Gambrel, Kenadi Gambrel, Dakota Gambrel, Shane Spitler, Lila Strong, and John Strong; a sister: Sandy Simmons of Corona, California; and his beloved dog, Pepper.
He was preceded in passing by his parents: Ronal Jule Gambrel and Alberta McKay; wives: Janice Elaine “Susie” Gambrel and Donna Jean Gambrel; a son: Jamen Venable; and a sister: Vicki John.
A visitation will be held from 2 until 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Private interment will take place in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville. Memorial donations are suggested to the Donna Gambrel Memorial Fund through the Flora Academic Foundation, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Nov 22, 1948 - Feb 4, 2026
Jan 24, 1938 - Jan 26, 2026
Apr 17, 1940 - Jan 23, 2026
Jan 20, 1947 - Jan 23, 2026
Oct 3, 1936 - Jan 12, 2026
We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. Had so many fun times as a neighbor and great friend. He will always be remembered. Fly High Ron
Scott, So sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers your way! Barb
sorry about ron we worked together AT NAL IS WAS IN SHIPPING WE WOULD ALWAY DRINK COFFE IN THE MORNING AND HE WOULD SMOKE ONE WILL MISS YOU RON RIP
So sorry for your loss
Know Ron since my childhood....We always seen him in Red N White when we bought our groceries...Mom would always give him a hard time on how she was a month older than him...LoL...He deserves his wings!!
Ron, Scott, and Kali Dawn- I am so sorry for the loss of Ron. Ron became a good friend when he met/started dating and married Jeannie. Then he became a good boss at NAL for years. After retirement then just a good friend.
Kali, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts, prayers, hugs and love. ❤️
We will keep you in our prayers at this difficult time. The Martin Families: Tom, Rodney & Annette, Jake & Olivia and the employees and staff of Rend Lake Plumbing
My deepest sympathy to all the Gambrel family.....Have known Ronnie a very long time....I may have not seen him in a long time but always asked my daughter Jennifer if she had seen in him....She said yes at Walmart several times and told him I would say Hello!! ....He will be missed!!
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
