BLOOMINGTON -- Ronald L. Fluty, 66, Bloomington, died at 12:38 a.m. Sunday (July 6, 2008) at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, with the Rev. Mark Wallace officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.
He was born Jan. 28, 1942, in Bloomington, son of John W. and Betty Woodburn Fluty. He married Sandra Donley.
He is survived by his father, John W. Fluty, Bloomington; two daughters, Christiana (Orlando) Hernandez and Devon Fluty, both of Bloomington; four sons, Aaron, Matt, Jeff and Ryan; two stepdaughters, Kari (Tim) Rixstine and Kimberly (James) Schulz, all of Bloomington; and 16 grandchildren. He is also survived by many cousins, including Joan Vincent who was like Ron's sister.
Ronald was preceded in death by his mother, Betty.
He was employed by Unit 5 as a school bus driver for the past three years. He had previously worked for American City Cab Co. for three years; and he worked as an insurance agent for Farmers Insurance Group in Rockford for 15 years.
Ronald excelled in football and played for Bloomington High School and for ISU. He also was a lifelong excellent golfer.
He was an avid reader. He loved science and doing research. If he didn't know something, he would research it until he found the answer.
Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be submitted to www.mem.com .
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The following was written by classmates for our 50th Reunion Booklet. Led by a dedicated team of local classmates, the project was titled:
"BHS CLASS OF '60 FOOTPRINTS"
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Ron and I were great buddies in junior high and high school. I think Ron was one of the best athletes to come out of Bloomington High. He was great in all three sports. Much of the time I lived with my uncle on W Walnut St. and Ron lived close by. We would walk to Bent School together everyday.
Two funny incidents I remember with Ron are as follows. When we were in the 8th grade we had to take home education. One day we had to bake a lemon cream pie. We had our class in the house next to Bent School. When we finished it just so happened that the principal Mr. Anderson walked by right past the kitchen window. Ron and I took the pie and dropped on the top of his head just perfect. It was really funny but of course we both got kicked out of school for two days.
Another time, we were at Reads Sporting Goods. Ron played catcher on the baseball team. We were both 15 at the time. I didn't know until after we left that he stole a catchers glove until we got outside the store. He tried in on and didn't like it and gave it to me. I still have that glove today and use it to play catch with my grandson. It is 52 years old. I will bring it with me to the reunion. There is so much more I could write about but maybe I will send some more when I have time. Looking forward to being there.
(Dave Curry)
Because Bob Feek talked me into it, I went out for the baseball team the spring of senior year. It wasn’t easy to do that; although I had played some baseball for Canton High School (the school I transferred from in September of ʻ58) I hadn’t played as a junior, and I was always a shy guy anyway. If I joined the baseball team, it wouldn’t be with any confidence.
Ron Fluty and I were somewhat friendly, as we sat next to each other in English class, and in a study hall as well. We were out taking batting practice one day before the season started (it was a chilly spring that often turned nasty, as anyone who played a spring sport may remember). Fluty was catching. I found myself missing pitches altogether, or popping up. Fluty stood up and said to me, “Keep your head still; you’re jerking your head when you swing. Stay down on the ball.”
And so I did, with good results. I hit some line drives to center and right center. I think even Coach Saar noticed.
Most of us will remember what an outstanding baseball player--and all-around athlete--Fluty was. He was one of the better high school catchers to come along in a while. And he could hit. On that day, at least for me, he showed team leadership. Baseball is more than hitting home runs. Helping a teammate improve makes you a leader.
Its only one moment in time, but one I haven’t forgotten.
(Jim Bennett)