Ronald L. Jay, 75, Humboldt, died Sunday, March 7, 2010, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute.

He was born Sept. 16, 1934, in Humboldt to Roy C. and Amy E. Snell Jay. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1952 and attended Junior College on the G.I. bill.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1958.

He worked as a Draftsman for Monarch Cement Company for 38 years until his retirement.

He married Dora York on Sept. 3, 1954, in Chanute. After Ronald’s retirement, together they took in 16 foster children over a 10-year period. She preceded him in death on Oct. 11, 2003.

He married Rosemarie Vernon on April 19, 2008. She survives.

He loved woodworking and building toys. He was a devoted husband and father.

Other survivors include three sons, Michael Dean Jay, Humboldt, David Earl Jay, Nashville, Tenn., and John Allen Jay, Independence, Mo.; three grandchildren, Andrea Gough, Thayer, Joshua and Justin Jay, both of Humboldt; stepchildren, Adrienne Smith, Chanute, Jennifer Wofford, Wichita, Michael Vernon, Orlando, Fla., Paul Vernon, Iola, and Phillip Vernon, Pittsburg; two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Brayden; a niece, Donna Herlacher, Colorado; and a nephew, Rick Herlacher, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by two infant children.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside inurnment will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Humboldt. Penwell-Gabel Humboldt Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions to the American Cancer Society may be left with the funeral home.