Ron Barlow

Long time radio broadcaster Ron Barlow (86) passed away in his sleep Wednesday morning. Best known for his days on the air at country music powerhouse WMNI in the 70’s Ron also was the color commentator for Buckeye football and basketball during that same era. Born in Jackson, Ohio Ron worked at the local newspaper and also the nearby radio station WKOV. Drafted into the military Ron eventually joined Armed Forces Radio and Television and was based in Okinawa for 2 years. After his service Ron came home to Jackson where he met and married his wife Mary. In November of 1961 Ron and Mary moved to Columbus for Ron to take a job at WTVN radio. In 1963 Ron joined the staff at WMNI where he was on air during middays where he eventually became program director and helped build one of the most listened to Country music stations in the country. Eventually in 1984 Ron built and opened his own radio station WUCO in Marysville. Upon his retirement Ron helped his 2 sons in their real estate careers. Inducted twice into Mr Deejay Hall of Fame in Nashville, he is also a member of the Ohio Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Proceeded in death by his wife Mary, Mother Gwen and Grandfather Jess Cory. He is survived by his sons Dave and Steve, daughter in laws Maria and Stacey, grandchildren Jaysen and his wife Jane, Jake, Jesse, Nick and Jaime and great grandchildren Weaver, Harper, Jackson and Callie. Ron never met a stranger, was loved by many and as one of his favorite songs he sang to us all many many times “St Peter don’t you call me cause I can’t go, I owe my soul to the company store”. This is Ron, aka Grandpa, aka Mr B signing off air for the final time.  Celebration of life services at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 4661 Kenny Road, Columbus, OH 43220. Visitation on Monday March 15th from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Service immediately thereafter.

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