Ronald L. "Ronnie" Alstat

IN MEMORY OF: Ronald L. “Ronnie” Alstat Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – EGYPTIAN MEMORIAL GARDENS 3208 South Park Avenue, Energy, Illinois Ronald L. “Ronnie” Alstat passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. He was born on February 27, 1944 in Herrin, IL to Roy and Pauline (Taylor) Alstat. He married his high school sweetheart, Sherry (Smith) Alstat on November 18, 1961. Together they had three children, Tracee, Kent and Wayne. Sherry passed away on October 13, 2006. He later married Sharon Turner on January 4, 2012 and she survives him. Ron grew up on a farm and from a very early age spent long hours in the field and worked on equipment. It was there that he developed his diligent work ethic. After marrying Sherry, he lived in rural DeSoto, IL until 2003 when they moved to Creal Springs. Early in his married life he sought employment at Carbondale Brick and Block. He always felt grateful that Clifton Greer took a chance on a young kid who wasn’t “officially” 18 years old. He remained friends with the Greer family his entire life and he and Jim Greer were great friends. He was later employed by Carbondale Township, where he was the Road Supervisor, retiring in 2009. He later worked for the Anna Wal-Mart from 2010-2012. Ron was a homebody who enjoyed living and working on his farm where he raised cattle, goats, and enough chickens to supply eggs to countless families. Ron’s family always came first, so he had few hobbies as a young guy, but he did enjoy racing his Ford Fairlane at the local drag strips winning numerous trophies which he proudly displayed. He remained a loyal “Ford Guy”. He was also known as the car engine and carburetor wizard and would fix anyone’s car that came to him and never asked for anything in return. Much of his knowledge of engines came from his work with his wife’s uncle, Jake (Nancy) Ebersohl of DeSoto. Ron enjoyed many pet dogs through his life, but in particular, Cassie and Sammie, both of whom he buried on his property in Creal Springs, near him. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, and a Shriner, and Past Master at the Wolf Creek Lodge, and was recently presented with a 50-year member pin, something of which he also was very proud. In addition to his wife Sharon, he is survived by his daughter and son in law, Tracee and John Foley, New Harmony, IN, son, Kent Alstat, Creal Springs, a grandson, Matthew (Emily Vallino) McMurray and their two children, Keira and Kellan, all of Austin, TX. He is also survived by his “little” brother, Steve (Corrine) Alstat, Duquoin, IL, and their children Leigh, Will, Erin, and Janna; his stepchildren, Randy, Debbie and Missy; and 15 step grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Sherry; infant son, Wayne Allen Alstat; sisters, Shirley Kay Alstat and Doris Yates, and stepson, Dewayne Turner. Ron’s children thank their stepmother Sharon for her kind and loving care during his last illness. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 12:30 pm, at the DeSoto Cemetery, DeSoto, IL. Crain Funeral Home in Energy is in charge of arrangements.

Ronald L. "Ronnie" Alstat

February 27, 1944 - July 29, 2026