Ronald "Red" Dean Eschliman

Ronald Dean "Red" Eschliman - age 91 of Massillon, OH passed away on September 21, 2021 after a period of declining health. Ron was born in Akron, OH to Jonas H. and Lillis (Moore) Eschliman and grew up in Canton, OH. He graduated from Timken Vocational High School in 1948. Ron then enlisted in the Navy where he served 5 years-attending the Navy School of Music and then aboard the battleship USS Missouri during the Korean War, as a drummer. He was very proud of his time in the Navy band and attended multiple reunions with his bandmates over the years. More recently, he was blessed to be able to take an Honor Flight to Washington, DC with other Korean War veterans. Ron continued his musical endeavors after the war. He was often seen playing the bass viola at Meyer's Lake Moonlight Ballroom with the Charlie Pickens Band and The Dom Clivi Orchestra.
Ronnie met, and then married, the lovely Carol Ann Zagray on September 3, 1954. They were together for 61 years until her death in 2016. Ron worked as an insurance salesman prior to his move to selling windows, doors and siding with Alsco Arco Building Products. A management position led him to move his family to Richmond, VA for 8 years. He transferred back to Ohio in 1976 and the family settled in at Lake Cable where they lived for nearly 30 years. Ron retired from Alsco after 34 years and spent the next 10 years with Norandex Distributers before retiring as the VP of Marketing.
Ron and Carol travelled the world together on trips earned through his job or tours with Carol's singing group, Canton Civic Opera. He was happiest spending time with his family and his dogs-whether on vacations in the mountains, on the beach, or relaxing on his pontoon boat at Lake Cable. He was a member of multiple clubs at the lake including Fisherman's and Retirees clubs. An avid supporter of all activities in which his wife, children, and grandsons participated-Ron was the best audience member a show or concert ever had, never missed an athletic competition and was known as "The popcorn guy" at all of his grandsons' baseball games!
A long time member of Trinity UCC in Canton-Ron participated in many areas of congregational life. He served as an usher, on the Consistory, in the choir, and part of the jazz ensemble. He left his mark on "The Welcome In" Sunday school class, serving as the President for many years. He was often found visiting the homebound or hospitalized members of the church.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Ron was preceded in death by his brothers Richard (Jean) Eschliman, William (Helen) Eschliman and his sister, Marilyn Heck. He is also now reunited with all his beloved dogs-Patchie, Heather, Misty and Jax! He is survived by his children-Terry Everett and Mark (Julie) Eschliman and his most cherished grandsons- Stephen Fellingham and Christian Everett. Also surviving him are his brother Robert (Lorie) Eschliman and sister in law Jo Ann McGrath as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides being a wonderful, loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather-Ron will be remembered by all as jovial, welcoming, sincere, kind, full of life and always having a joke to share!
A service celebrating Ron's life will be held on 11/6/2021 at Trinity UCC located at 3909 Blackburn Rd, Canton, OH 44718. Visitors may call at 1:00pm with the service to follow at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Trinity UCC Music Department or The Stark County Humane Society (or your favorite local animal shelter). Please be cognizant of the church's Covid-19 protocols- Masks are required and social distancing is recommended.