Rev. Ronald L. Murdock, age 87, of Pickerington, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2024 at Mt. Carmel East Hospital. Born May 1, 1936 in Columbus to the late Wilfred and Ruth (Strayer) Murdock. He was a graduate of Columbus South High School, attended The Ohio State University for one year, and later pursued a business degree at Franklin University. He worked at North American, a job he loved, on the A-35 Aircraft. He was then drafted and served in the U.S. Army. After he began a career in drafting, married his first wife Nora, and had three beautiful daughters, twins Ronda and Sondra and Lisa. Sadly, the marriage ended in divorce.
Ron entered a second period of his adult life, married the love of his life, Darla Coakley Murdock, with whom he shared 55 years filled with love, and another daughter, Jennifer. He also changed careers, graduated from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and became an ordained Lutheran pastor. He served churches in Ohio, and interims in West Virginia and Indiana. He served his Lord faithfully full time, then part time, and preached his last sermon at age 85.
Ron loved life; he traveled with friends and family to many countries. He loved his Lord and knew he was being called home. We were blessed to have him for nearly 88 years and will always remember the love he freely gave to all.
When he retired from actively being a pastor, he became a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Pickerington where he attended whenever his health permitted. He leaves behind love, laughter, memories, and a large hole in many lives. A life well lived and well loved.
Ron loved God, his family and friends, and leaves many great memories with those left to mourn his passing: wife, Darla Murdock; children, Ronda (Mark) Wagner, Sondra Murdock, Jennifer Murdock (Chris) Edenborough; his beloved grandchildren, Rebecca (Aaron) Hannah, Brad (Heidi) Leister, Samantha Wagner, Cooper Edenborough, and Kennedy Edenborough; his three great-grandchildren were very close and special to him, Josie Murdock, Toby Hannah, and Abel Hannah. He leaves a much loved sister, Carol (Lyle) Leach; and two special brothers-in-law, Roger Lutz and Jeff (Tammy) Lutz; and many nieces and nephews. He also has many friends with whom special times were spent.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Lisa Leister; and two brothers, James and Fred Murdock.
Friends may visit 6-8 pm Friday April 19 at the Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Rd N (St. Rt. #256), Pickerington, and one hour prior to the funeral service at 10 am Saturday, April 20 with Pastor Brad Gee officiating. Entombment Franklin Hills Memory Gardens.
Friends who wish may contribute to Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Rd N., Pickerington, OH 43147 in his memory. Arrangements by Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, Pickerington and online condolences at www.spencefuneralhome.com