Ronald Eugene Emerson, 77, of Assumption, IL, passed away on January 6, 2026, at his residence. He was born on April 5, 1948, in Taylorville, to the late William Jacob and Rose Marie (Jackson) Emerson. He married the love of his life, Rhonda (Jones) Emerson, on January 21, 1977, and they spent many beautiful years together before she preceded him in death on October 3, 2023.

Ron owned and operated Ron Emerson Portable Welding for over thirty years. Welding was not just his job, but also his hobby. Ron was a true handyman and built everything by hand. If something was broken, he could usually fix it with some iron and a weld. He loved his home and spent much of his life building his DUBLR from the ground up. He enjoyed his 13 acres and found immense joy in taking care of his yard. It was his pride and joy. Ron cut firewood that he used to heat his home with a wood stove and loved spending time outside. He cared deeply for his animals and over the years he raised many dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, chickens, peacocks, donkeys, and especially loved tending to his cows. Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting, his tractors, mustang, side by side rides, and taking his boat out on their lake lot. Ron was happiest when drinking Old Milwaukee Light while sitting in his garage surrounded by his big family and the best of friends. He loved his sweetie, his girls, grandkids, and his great grandkids, and is missed dearly by his loved ones.

Ron is survived by his daughters: Holli (Brian) Turner of Thompsonville, IL; Autumn (Mike) Long of Taylorville, IL; Mandi Emerson (fiancé Linsey Richardson) of Taylorville, IL; grandchildren: Jonathan (Melanie) Turner; Alaina (Cody) Shockley; Kourtnee (Chase) Windell; Kinsey (Keith) Swigert; Kylie Campbell (Kenneth Alcala); Tanner Fathauer (Rosella Colbrook); Koby Long (Lexi Cisco); Kason Long; great-grandchildren: Izsy, Anna, Gavin, Wyatt, Aubrey, Hailey, Kannon, Kale, Adalee, Laiklee, Landon, Amaya, Kemery Jo, Kali Sue, and Lyle; brothers: Larry (Traci) Emerson; Randy (Debbie) Emerson; sister: Connie (Clyde) Westbrook; as well as his bonus son: Ronnie Noblet.

Ron was reunited with his parents, wife, two sons, Ronnie and Aaron Emerson, his brother, Billy Emerson, and two sisters, Janet and Kathy Emerson.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. A funeral service will follow at 5:00 p.m. with burial at a later date.

Memorials in his honor may be graciously made to the wishes of the family, c/o: Sutton Memorial Home.

Sutton Memorial home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at suttonmemorialhome.com.