Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Ron Gambrel
Jan 20th, 1947 - Jan 23rd, 2026Ronal “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