Ronnie Nowlin, (74), passed away peacefully on September 4 at home surrounded by his family.  Ronnie was born in St. Elmo to his parents Leon and Fay Nowlin, who preceded him in death.  He graduated from SIU in Carbondale in 1970.  He then married Shirley Waicukauski in 1971.  Ronnie was a United States Air Force Veteran from 1970 – 1973 where he achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Ron worked for the telephone company for 25 years.  After retirement, he kept himself busy by working at the True Value store in Vandalia Illinois for 13 years.  Ron was also an active member of the Prairieland Frontiersmen for the past 32 years.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Shirley Nowlin, his daughters Nicki Dilley and Jessica Pool, his sons-in-law, Jeremy Dilley and Curtis Pool, and his grandchildren, Kacey Pool, Carter Pool, Braden Dilley, Dylan Dilley, and Dylan's significant other, Zac McCarty.

A Celebration of Life will be held at New Horizons Church in St. Elmo on Saturday, September 11. A visitation will be held from 10-11:00 a.m. with the memorial service starting at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ronnie's name to Prairieland Frontiersman or to the New Horizons Church.

Ron was a member of the NRA and the NMLRA.  He loved camping, gardening and anything outdoors. Friends and family will remember Ron for his willingness to help anyone at any time.  His quick wit and sense of humor will surely be missed.