Ronney (Ronnie) Retton, Sr., 84, of Fairmont, WV passed away on his father's birthday, November 12, 2021. He was born on October 30, 1937 to Samuel Marshall Retton and Mary Lois (Henderson) Retton.

Ronnie grew up in Grant Town, WV surrounded by many special uncles and cousins who helped form his love for sports. He attended Fairview High School, where he led the Indians to several baseball and basketball State Championships. Following high school, he received a scholarship from West Virginia University. While at WVU, he earned 3 Varsity letters in basketball from 1957-59 serving as co-captain of the 1959 Mountaineer team that reached the national championship game. On the diamond, he also earned 3 Varsity letters and was a first team selection on the All Southern Conference squad at shortstop in 1957 and 1959. While playing two varsity sports, Ronnie completed a degree in history in 4 years. After graduation, he signed a free agent contract with the New York Yankees.

During his 6 year professional baseball career in the Yankee minor league system, Ronnie was selected several times for the Minor League All-Star Game and was named Minor League Player of the Month numerous times before retiring to devote more time to his new family and business adventures.

He was a co-owner of R&W Cable, a company that repaired coal mining cable for over 25 years, retiring in 1986. Unable to let go of his competitive spirit, in the late 60's, Ronnie and brother-in-law, Frank Washenitz, put together an elite fast pitch softball team under the name R&W Cable that became nationally known for over a decade.

Ronnie was also a highly decorated WVIAC basketball official for several years.

He coached many youth sports teams that his children were involved in.

During his retirement, he enjoyed golfing with his good buddy, Eddy Devito, and loved following Mountaineer sports. He took great pleasure in watching his many grandchildren's athletic events, and always took pride in the appearance of his yard.

In 2010, Ronnie was inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame. Ronnie and his daughter Shari (who was inducted in 2001) became the first father-daughter combination to be inducted into that special club.

Ronnie is survived by his sister Pam Washenitz and husband Frank, Sr. of Fairmont, along with sister-in-law, Gloria (Prozillo) Straight and husband Howard of Harpers Ferry, WV, and a brother-in-law, Terry Wilson of Fairmont.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lois Jean (Prozillo) Retton, who he married June 16, 1960. Together they raised 5 children, Ronnie, Jr. and his wife Darla Retton, Shari and husband Mike Timko, Donnie Retton, Jerry and Brenda Retton, and youngest daughter, Mary Lou Retton. He was very proud of all his children's academic and athletic achievements. He understood the importance of a college education and was most proud that all of his 13 grandchildren graduated college.

His grandchildren include, Drew Retton and wife Cindy, Jaci (Timko) Gabelt and husband Jake, Karli (Timko) Niemeyer and husband Gage, Wittlee Retton-Tennant and husband Matt, Tanya (Timko) Hecht and husband Will, Brett Retton and wife Chloe, Ronnie Retton III, Ashley Retton, Shayla (Kelley) Schrepfer and husband Wyatt, McKenna Kelley, Skyla Kelley, and Emma Kelley. Ronnie was blessed with 9 great grandchildren, whom he cherished.

Ronnie leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Retton family would like to thank the Administration and Staff at Pierpont Rehabilitation Center for their kind and compassionate care.

Ronnie was a Christian by faith. At the request of the departed, there will be no visitation or funeral services at this time. Arrangements are under the care of Domico Funeral Home in Fairmont. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.