Ronald Dormer
O Fallon | Save
Chief Master Sergeant Ronald A. Dormer, USAF, retired, passed away on May 14, 2026, at his home in O’Fallon, Ill., surrounded by his loving daughters. Ron was born on July 17, 1934, in Shenandoah, Penn. to Willard and Tessie Dormer. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served his country honorably for more than 27 years before retiring from Scott Air Force Base in 1981. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, his service included tours to Iwo Jima, French Morocco, Europe and many stateside bases. Chief Dormer was a specialist in navigation aids and electronic communication systems.
After retiring from military service, Ron continued his life of dedication by working for Emerson Electric and later as a civilian working for the Army. He found great joy in spreading cheer wherever he could, whether serving as Santa, greeting others as a Friday morning Happy Waver, or volunteering with organizations including Leaps of Love, HISKIDS, the O’Fallon Food Pantry, and Unity Lutheran School. Ron was recognized by Thrivent Financial as Volunteer of the Year 2003 for his service and by the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce for his outstanding volunteerism in the community. He was an advisor for the American Intercultural Student Exchange program, in which he qualified families and placed students in host homes. He would also make monthly visits to the students’ homes and their host schools and would organize get-togethers for all exchange students and their host families.
Among his extensive list of serving and volunteering was working on the committee for the annual O’Fallon Community Food Pantry golf tournament, organizing and participating in Crop Walks, co-chairing blood drives, coordinating golf tournaments, sponsoring the Faith Lutheran Church junior high school youth group, and training volunteers in hospice care.
He was involved with AAL (Aid Association for Lutheran), Lutheran Brotherhood, Lamp Lighter, and served was past president of AAL Branch 5656. He was a member of the board of AAL Federation of Southern Illinois, where he hosted and planned yearly conventions.
Ron’s patriotism was evident by his membership in VFW Post 805, American Legion Post 137, and Moose Lodge 1221. He was grateful for friendships at the Y and for the recent opportunity he experienced on the Honor Flight. He will be remembered for his contagious smile, deep faith, love for his family, and steadfast devotion to both his community and his country.
Ron was passionate about supporting his community; therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to Faith Lutheran Church, Heartland Hospice, Leaps of Love, or O’Fallon Community Food Pantry. Send a message to the family at www.wfh-ofallon.com.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife Jean, whom he married December 16, 1961 and who passed away June 11, 2006, his parents, and his sister Shirley Marconi.
Survivors include his daughters Karen Dormer of O’Fallon, and Denise (Ron) Dauphin of Smithton, and his granddaughter Maci Winter.
Visitation: 4 – 8 pm, Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon, Ill.
Funeral: 9:30 am, Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church, 520 East US Highway 50, O’Fallon, Ill., with Pastor Candice Wassell officiating. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial with military honors will immediately follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.
Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill., is serving the Dormer family.
Wolfersberger Funeral Home
