Ron Thorson was born to Alvord and Agnes Thorson on January 20, 1948. He leaves behind his wife, Dr. Darline Thorson, and his three children, Jesse and Ariel Thorson and Dennis Lara. He was a good father figure to his stepdaughter Debra Lara. He also leaves behind his sister Marcia Nordwall and his Uncle Kenneth Odland. His younger brother, U.S. Airforce Pilot and Purple Heart Recipient, Second Lieutenant Larry Thorson, preceded Ron in death during the Vietnam war. Ron attended Glenwood High School in Minnesota and had many fond memories of times spent with friends and playing on his Varsity Basketball Team. Ron attended college on a basketball scholarship but was an excellent student, continuing his education until he achieved his Masters Degree in Education. He was an educator for 40 years, during which he was a teacher, coach, principal, and school counselor. The highlight of his coaching came in 1983 when he coached the Boys Varsity Basketball Team, The Players, to become the Division 1A State Champions that year. He made a concerted effort to teach his players about maintaining integrity in basketball and in life. Ron deeply cherished his family. He relished his friends, co-workers, students, and Church fellows. He had fond memories of his fellow teachers, students, friends, and loved ones in St. Joe Arkansas, Hot Springs Arkansas, Malvern Arkansas, Colony Kansas, Thayer Kansas, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, St Paul Kansas, Harrison Arkansas, New London Minnesota, and Bismarck Arkansas, just to name a few of the places where he left an indelible mark on the hearts of people who knew him. Ron enjoyed working with his thoroughbred horses and owned several horses at the time of his passing. One of his favorite past times was taking care of his horses. Ron was a Christian and valued his relationship with God most of all. He saw death as inevitable but did not think it had to be a sad event, if there was certainty that Jesus would be waiting on the other side. He died with that certainty in his heart. He was sure to ask that his loved ones not cry too long for him after his death, but to instead get right with God to ensure that he will see them again.

SHOOTING STARS

The ball in the coffin

Rather gave the game away

As a diehardbasketball player

Determined to play on in future days

With a leap of faith, you've a spring in your step

Out on a cosmic court

Slam dunks and buzzer beaters

Welcome a friend of the galactic sport

Basketball playersend their last mortal game

With their longest fadeaway

Shooting for the hoops of Saturn

In their last ever earthly play

By; Michael Ashby

Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors

"The Epitome of Service"

Preferred Florist: Wow Wallace Flowers & Gifts 870-575-3703

Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel

Thursday, March 4, 2021

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM 413 West Page Avenue Malvern, ARKANSAS 72104