Ronnie Wallen, 82, of Kendallville, Indiana, died Thursday, January 4, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

He was born December 1, 1941, in Mousie, Kentucky to Lawrence and Edna (Sparkman) Wallen.

On February 24, 1977, in Grundy, Virginia he married Shirley Keene.

Mr. Wallen had worked in construction.

He honorably served in the U.S. Army.

Ronnie attended New Hope Christian Center in Waterloo.

He was a "car nut" and enjoyed working on cars. He also was the family handy man and loved helping his family.

Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Shirley Wallen of Kendallville; three daughters, Addie Renee Dietrich of Louisville, Kentucky, Rhonda (Mike) Kugler of Ashley and Marina (Grayson) Handshoe of Michigan; three sons, Jeffery (Dora) Rhodes of Catlett, Virginia, Denver (Linda) Sparkman of Kendallville and Roger (Connie) Sparkman of Kendallville; eleven grandchildren, Misty Rhodes, Jeremy Rhodes, Nicole Rhodes, Dustin Baker, Jordon Baker, Blake Kugler, Isaiah Rhodes, Vincent Rhodes, Derek Handshoe, Nathan Handshoe, and Brittany Handshoe; several great-grandchildren; and a brother, Don McDaniel of Pleasant Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Brian Rhodes; three sisters, Lora Kurtz, Connie Warnock, and Wanda Pierson; and a brother, Richard Wallen.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 12 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville with Pastor Ralph Diehl of New Hope Christian Center officiating.

Burial will follow in Sedan Cemetery near Corunna.

Honor guard services will be provided by the Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation is Monday, January 8, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral services on Tuesday all at the funeral home.

View a video tribute after Monday or share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com

Ronnie Wallen from Young Family Funeral Home on Vimeo.