Ronald Kevin Edward Ping

Born on May 27, 1957, in Indianapolis, he lived for a while in Arizona where he attended high school before joining the Army Reserves at age 17. He was stationed at Fort Knox, KY and he later joined the regular Army where he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. After the Army, he held a variety of interesting jobs including FBI fingerprint examiner, security guard, airport security, sheet metal worker, courier. He finished his working career as a Regional Manager for NOW Courier.

He earned a bachelor's degree from IUPUI while working full time as a driver. He enjoyed driving and whenever someone would comment on dangerous driving conditions in the winter, he would reply with "Please! I'm a trained professional!" He liked to report back to his daughters after a safe and successful pick up of a grandchild with his catch phrase "I have the package". This past year he was happily on call as a backup for his 13-year-old grandson if he should oversleep and miss the school bus. He faithfully rose at 6:00 each school day and got dressed and ready to go in case he got that call. He only drove Owen to school 3 or 4 times, but he secretly hoped each morning that Owen might need him for a ride. Those mornings gave him great happiness. He knew that talks in the car were the best.

He was a history buff who never tired of reading and learning. He loved a good discussion and touched many lives with his wisdom, humor, and friendship. He was a lifelong learner and had a passion for discovering new things and the unswerving pursuit of the truth. This spirit which characterized his life translated into lessons he earnestly imparted to those around him. His legacy of humor, perseverance, and learning will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

His main joy in life was his family and friends and his home out in the country. He was known for his love of cooking and all things tiki. He made the world's best lasagna and pizza - just ask anyone who ever tried it! He was a great friend and the life of every party. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

He is survived by his wife Patricia (Raymond), his 3 children John (wife Shawna), Jenny, JoAnna (husband Joe), his 4 grandchildren Brandan (wife Leea), Owen, Genevieve, Warren, his 4 great grandchildren Cayden, Saige, Brandan, Penelope, his dear Aunt Emily, and his 3 brothers Danny, Tim, and Chris, his sister in-law Anne, his 3 brothers in-law Jack, Mark and David.

He was preceded in death by his sister Lisa, his parents Bill and Sharon, and his beloved grandmother Clio.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 13 at 118 S. Audubon Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46219 (next door to the Strange Bird tiki bar). After the eulogies, we welcome everyone to share their happy memories.