Ronald "Ron" E. Driver

Ronald "Ron" E. Driver, 78 of Benton, Kentucky passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born Monday, March 8, 1948, he was the son of the late Charles Driver and the late Dorothy Henson Driver.  Ron was a faithful member of Owen’s Chapel Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and shared his love of music as a song leader, a role he began at just 16 years old. His faith and his church family were an important part of his life.

He retired from Air Products/Wacker after 45 years of dedicated service.

Ron was a loyal Kentucky Wildcats and St. Louis Cardinals fan, but his favorite teams were always the ones his family was a part of. Nothing brought him more joy than supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was their biggest fan, rarely missing a game, performance, or special event. If they were involved, Ron was there, showing his love and support.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Kathryn "Kathi" Cope Driver; daughters, Kristin Raleigh (Bob Long) of Benton, KY and Roni Harrison (Joey) of Benton, KY;  brothers, Tim Driver (Donna) of Benton, KY and Ricky Driver (Vickie) of Benton, KY; sister, Brenda Turner of Saint Peters, MO; daughter in law, Chrissy Driver: brother and sister in law, James and Sally Stom; grandchildren, Katelyn Raleigh, Jordan Garland, Jessica Gordon, Blake Harrison, Brooke Harrison, Kaden Driver, Jace Driver, Cameron Driver and Nevaeh Anderson; great grandchildren, Andi, Lilah, Jonah, Elyse, Lindy and Ada.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Kevin Charles Driver, his father and mother in law, Charles "Chuck" and Sue Cope.

A funeral service will be Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Collier Funeral Home Chapel with Joey Harrison and James Stom officiating.

Burial to follow at Pace Cemetery in Hardin, KY.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Collier Funeral Home, located at 211 West 5th Street Benton, KY 42025. 270-527-3141.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Ron's name to the Owen's Chapel Baptist Church Building Fund c/o Austin Gordon 46 Gentle Lane Almo, KY 42020 or to the Kevin Driver Memorial Fund c/o CFSB PO Box 467 Benton, KY 42025.