Ronald "Ronnie" J. Newhart, 50, a veteran trainer-driver in Ohio, died Tuesday after a battle with cancer.
Newhart devoted his life for harness racing and was an outstanding driver. He had over 1,000 wins and was active at Ohio tracks and particularly the Southern Valley Colt fair circuit. He was a member of the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association, the United States Trotting Association, the BPOE Lodge 477 and the Sons of the American Legion.
He is survived by his daughter, Roni Marie Newhart, a student at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio; his brothers, Richard Morgan and Rodney Newhart of Marietta, Ohio; his twin sister, Rhonda Newhart of Belpre, Ohio; and several nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday (April 29) at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home in Marietta with Pastor Jeff Nolte officiating. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. Thursday until the hour of the service at the funeral home. The family will be present to greet friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday. BPOE Lodge 477 will conduct memorial services Thursday evening at the funeral home.
The family requests that contributions be made to the Ronald J. Newhart Memorial Fund, First Bank of Marietta, 320 Front St., Marietta, Ohio.