Ronald M. Akey

Ronald Melvin Akey was born on February 14,1934, in Wray, Colorado to Melvin and Leona (Haskell) Akey. Ron was the oldest of 4 children including sister, Caroline and brothers, Bernard and Rodney.

Ron attended school in Vernon, Colorado. He grew up on a farm northeast of Vernon and helped his parents with dryland farming and raising cattle. Ron was very close to his grandfather, Canova Akey, who raised, trained and sold horses and mules. Ron enjoyed working with his grandfather and going on fishing trips together.

While in high school, Ron played baseball, basketball and football, which was the beginning of his enthusiasm for these sports. He graduated from Vernon High School in 1952. After graduation, Ron had several jobs, working on various ranches. He met Mildred Workman, at a dance in Laird, Colorado, which started their lifelong love of dancing. When Mildred’s parents moved to Loveland, Ron followed them and worked at the Sylvan Dale Dude Ranch. After Mildred graduated from Loveland High School, they were married on June 19, 1955.

Ron and Mildred moved to Denver, where Ron worked for a dairy and delivered parts for an auto repair shop. In 1956, Ron was drafted into the Army. Mildred followed Ron from base to base until he was shipped to serve his country in Germany. He was honorably discharged from the military with a rank of sergeant, in 1959. Following his time in the military, Ron and Mildred decided to purchase the farm Mildred had grown up on, west of Haigler, NE. Through the years they raised irrigated and dryland crops, ran a cow/calf operation and ran a feedlot.

Ron and Mildred have 4 children, Deb, Steve, Linda and Curtis. Ron was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Haigler, and the First Christian Church in Wray, CO. Ron served on the Zion Lutheran Church Board and the Haigler School board for several years. He also was a member of the Wray Elks BPOE #2409 and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Association.

Ron and Mildred attended all of their children’s football, baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball games. They were also dedicated fans of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and musical performances. They enjoyed spending time with friends and dancing at the “singles dances”. A few years ago, Ron started a “supper club” where the group would enjoy visiting over an evening meal at a local restaurant. He liked to start his day having morning coffee with friends at the Haigler Country Cafe and attending cattle auctions in Wray and Ogallala NE. In 2025, Ron was diagnosed with dementia and moved to Papillion, NE, where he could receive the medical care that he needed. He enjoyed living at The Trinity Village and meeting new friends at the Papillon Landing Community Recreation Center.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Leona Akey, his sister, Caroline (Akey) Rodel, and brother-in-law, Willard (Butch) Rodel, in-laws, Ervin and Jennie Workman, brother-in-law, Glenn Workman, sister-in-law Merna and husband Max Odell and brother-in law, Robert Workman.

Ron leaves behind his wife of 71 years, Mildred, brothers, Bernard Akey and Rodney Akey, children: daughter, Deb (and husband Steve) Daniel, son Steve (and wife Linda) Akey, daughter Linda (and husband Jim) Grant, and son Curtis (and wife Peggy) Akey, Grandchildren: Nick (Dawn), Nathan (Ashley), Drew (Emilee), Jenna (Josh), Chelsea (James), James (Brynn), Hannah, and Ryan. Great-grandchildren: Kaden, Kennedy, Chase, Olivia, Brynlee, Cooper, McKenna, Gracen, Colton, Hayden, James (JT), and Emma.

Ron is deeply missed by his family and friends. A private family celebration of Ron’s life will be held. Jones Family Funeral Homes is in charge of the services.