Ronald "Ron" Phillip Birchem passed away on October 5, 2023, in Portsmouth, Ohio with his brother Ken at his side. He was born on May 27, 1943 in Portsmouth to Louis and Hazel (Wyant) Birchem.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Toni, his brother Clarence (Linda) Birchem, and his sister Donna (Dutch) Alley. He is survived by his brother Ken Birchem and son Art (Becky) Birchum and grandchildren Spencer, Nicholas, Tanner, Porter, Isaac and Hunter.

Ron graduated from Minford High in 1961, where he was the senior class vice president, played basketball, and was a member of Minford's first football team. He graduated from Ohio University with a BA in Journalism.

Ron loved to take long walks and could be seen in the early mornings all over Minford. He loved his chickens and spent a long time in the chicken barn at the Scioto County Fair.

As a young man he loved to travel, and spoke often of the adventure he and Ken Rase had right after high school when they hitchhiked to California. His favorite song was "Ventura Highway" by the band America, which brought back his California dreaming memories and he loved to listen to it for hours. In his later years he enjoyed his weekly visits with Kevin Rase and looked forward to talking on the phone with his classmates Ken Rase and Larry Rankin.

A graveside service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Bennett Cemetery in Minford with Rick Clark officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford. Online condolences may be sent to www.edafh.com.