Ronald Erps

Ronald Dale Erps, age 84, of Normal, passed away at 7:02 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026 surrounded by his family at Carle BroMenn Hospital. He was born on September 7, 1941, in Bloomington to Charley and Clara (Mara) Erps. Ronald graduated from Danvers Community High School in 1960.
Since Ron grew up in a patriotic family (dad and five brothers who served in the armed services), he knew he would serve after graduation. He entered the Navy in June of 1960 and spent most of his 4 years with the Fleet Marine Force, Second Marine Division, Camp Lejune, NC. He was discharged in 1964.
Ron was a sixty-two-year member of the American Legion Normal Post 635. He was the commander of the Carl S. Martin American Legion Post.
Ron married Barbara Grace Feeney on September 19, 1965, at El Paso Methodist Church. They had two children: Brenda (Scott) Terven of LeRoy and James (Tracie) Erps of Normal. He had five grandchildren: Samantha (Joey) Fanelli of LeRoy, Racheal and Elizabeth Terven of LeRoy, Jalen Erps and Alex Willey of Normal, and a great-granddaughter Lucy Fanelli.
He retired from the town of Normal in 1995. He was a season ticket holder for Illinois State Basketball and the Chicago Bears. Not only was he an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, but he also supported his children and all of his grandchildren in their respective sports and attended all of their events.
He has one surviving sister, Beverly Neal of Pekin. He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers.
Ron was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for thirty-two years. Many were fortunate to have him in their recovery.
Funeral service for Ron will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Carmody Flynn Funeral Home in Bloomington, burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held on the same day from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Memorial Contributions may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous Cedar Lake Fellowship, 401 E. Empire St., Bloomington, IL 61701, you can also donate online at cederlakefellowship.org. Online condolences can be left at carmodyflynn.com