Lifelong Indiana resident Ronald Lewis Melbert, 80, passed away on March 14, 2022. The son of William and Gladys (Wright) Melbert, Ron was born in Bloomington, Indiana on December 16, 1941. He graduated from Indiana State University in 1963 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, and later completed his Master's Degree at Indiana Central.

Ron's passion was challenging the minds of bright, young students.  He dedicated 41 years to the Beech Grove City School system as a beloved math, mechanical drawing, and computer science teacher until his retirement in 2005.  He also served as Math Department Chair and Coach of the BGHS Chess Team for many years. "Mr. Melbert" was known by his students as a tough but fair teacher. He worked especially hard to develop students who demonstrated great potential, but who did not share the same advantages and opportunities as other students.  He fostered the value of lifelong learning in everyone he taught.

Ron was a handyman at heart.  He spent his summers doing contracting work-crafting patios, decks, garages, and the like, for neighbors and friends in his community.  He also developed a love of gardening from his mom, which became a cherished hobby he shared with his wife and grandchildren.  Ron was famous for his green thumb and bountiful harvest each season that he generously gifted to his family and friends.

Beyond his garden, Ron's love of nature was also evident in the years he spent exploring the outdoors.  Some of his favorite activities included fishing at Eagle Creek with his sons, hiking at Turkey Run State Park, or wandering his own woods with his grandchildren.

Ron's most treasured pastime was reading, and in particular, studying the Bible.  He gave countless hours to devotional reading, seeking to follow his favorite verse, Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Ron is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Mary Ann (Cox).  He was the proud father to two sons, Barry (Karen) and Jon (Rhonda).  Ron is also survived by five grandchildren, Libby, Annie, Katherine, Daniel, and Charlie; his older brother, William Melbert; and several nieces and nephews.  He loved his family dearly and treasured each moment he spent with them, often capturing memories in the form of photos and home movies.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Ron Melbert to the Starfish Initiative, a local foundation dedicated to "make a difference in the lives of marginalized youth–one student at a time."  You may mail contributions to 2955 N. Meridian Street, Suite 101, Indianapolis, IN 46208, or donate online at starfishinitiative.org

Visitation for Ron will be this Friday, March 18 ^th , from 4:00-8:00 p.m., at Southland Community Church, 5800 West Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, IN 46142.  A celebration of Ron's life will take place at Southland Community Church on Saturday March 19 ^th , 2022 at 11:00 a.m., with a brief visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Funeral Services will be provided by Swartz Community Mortuary, Franklin, Indiana. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com .  Information 317-738-0202.