Ronald Delbert New

Ronald Delbert New, 76, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed peacefully from this earthly life into glory on Thursday, November 30, 2023 surrounded by family at his home.

Born February 3, 1947, Ron, as he was known to most, was the third of four children of the late Schuyler Delbert and Vietta (Simpson) New. A tool and die maker by trade, Ron lived in the Somerset area his entire life. He is a 1966 graduate of Pulaski County High School and a longtime, faithful member of Oak Hill Baptist Church in Somerset. Over the years, Ron served as the church clerk, sang in the choir, ran the south booth and helped with many building projects. A self-taught musician, Ron played the guitar, banjo, piano and harmonica, all by ear.

Ron met his Lord and Savior as a young 11/12-year-old boy during a revival service at the Green Brier Baptist Church, Lincoln County, KY with Bro. Alonzo Mitchell as evangelist. It was his greatest desire that all would come to know his Savior’s love and care. On November 4, 1967, Ron was united in marriage to Karen Lee Smith, celebrating their 56^th anniversary just recently. Karen survives at their home in Somerset. The other surviving are two sons, Bryan (Hope) of Columbia, KY, Steve of Somerset, KY, and one daughter Mindy Neilan of Nashville, TN. He has two grandchildren, Lexi McElhaney and James Neilan. Also survived by a sister Mildred Mullins of Eubank, KY, and two brothers, David (Sharon) New of Waynesburg, KY, and Mike (Judy Kay) New of Somerset, KY, along with many nieces and nephews.

Gifted with an engineer’s mind, Ron enjoyed several hobbies over the years. In the 1960s and ‘70s, he built and flew model airplanes which led to building a full-sized ultra-lite plane later in life. Ron also built and raced go-karts in the 1980s and 90s. Upon retirement, he constructed a full-sized teepee, where he stayed while making maple syrup and sorghum with his friends. A lover of the outdoors, Ron also enjoyed camping and hiking, often with his friends in the Big South Fork River area. Ron even backpacked a section of the Appalachian Trail with his good friend Mark Redmond. In his later years, Ron took great pleasure in watching his Purple Martins return each year to the birdhouses he had provided for them and growing vegetables in his garden.

Ron was a loyal and loving husband, father and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know and love him.

Visitation will be held from 10AM-1PM on December 5, at Oak Hill Baptist Church, followed by a celebration of life at 1PM with Gary Phelps officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Joe New, Dexter Mullins, Kenneth New, Grant Burton, Mark Redmond, Gary Burgess, Ben Burgess and Gary McClure. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating bibles with The Gideons International.

All arrangements have been entrusted to Pulaski Funeral Home.