Ronald Himes

PRINCETON — Ronald Clell Himes, 91, of Princeton, formerly of Byron and Rockford, passed away at 7 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2015, at Colonial HealthCare and Rehabilitation Centre in Princeton, surrounded by his family.

Born Nov. 23, 1923, in Oregon, Ill., to Henry Clay and Mary (Lowry) Himes, he married Marvalyn (Glotfelty) Himes Jan. 8, 1943, in Kahoka, Mo. They shared 72 years of marriages. She survives.

He attended Byron High School. Following high school, he worked for Byron Transit Company. During World War II, he worked at Roper's in Rockford making war materials. After the war, he owned an ice hauling business supplying the Byron area, while he self-educated himself in electronics and electrical engineering. Later, working at the Byron Radio Shop, he completed a DeForest electronics training course and in 1950 he joined the Barber Colman Company in Rockford, where for 12 years he was instrumental in the development of experimental remote radio-controlled overhead door operators. In 1962, when the company moved to Sheffield, as the Barcol Overdoor Company, he became president and general manager of that company and through its transition to Plycraft Door Company, until his retirement in 1987.

He was a member of the Hampshire Colony Church.

Also surviving are one son, Terry (Sara) Himes of Princeton; one daughter, Wendy (Charles) Wilmarth of Palos Hills; three grandchildren, Michael Himes, Drew Himes and Erin Himes, all of Chicago; two brothers, Hazen (Geri) Himes of Rockford and Francis Elwood Himes of Sarasota, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Elton Duane Himes of Phillipsburg, N.J., and Rolland E. Himes of Byron.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to OSF Saint Elizabeth Hospice in Ottawa.

The Norberg Memorial Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com.