Mr. Ronald J. “Ron” Eshleman, 70, of St. Thomas, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 1, 2026, passing peacefully at Doey’s House in Hagerstown, MD, surrounded by the love he spent his life so freely giving.
Born April 22, 1955, in Chambersburg, PA, Ron was the beloved son of the late Mahlon D. and Mary C. (Horst) Eshleman. From his earliest years, Ron possessed a gentle spirit, a curious mind, and a heart drawn toward creativity, faith, and people. These gifts would quietly but powerfully shape every chapter of his life.
Ron was a 1973 graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School and went on to Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, PA, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in music education in 1977. He later earned his Master’s equivalency. While he was a student at Messiah, he sang and toured with a college ensemble, “Children of the Lord”. Music was never simply a skill for Ron. It was a language of joy, faith, and connection, one he used to reach hearts, lift spirits, and bring people together.
On May 30, 1976, Ron married Sharon L. (Helfrick) Eshleman at Ebenezer United Brethren Church, where he served as music director. Their marriage was rooted in deep love, faith, and devotion. Sharon, along with their children, always knew they were cherished. Ron made sure the people he loved never had to wonder where they stood with him.
A man of deep and living faith, Ron grew up a member of Williamson Mennonite Church and later he became a longtime member of King Street Church in Chambersburg, where he served for many years as music director. His faith was not reserved for Sundays. He lived it daily through kindness, humility, prayer, and an unwavering concern for others. Ron was a true prayer warrior, faithfully lifting up family, friends, former students, and even strangers. His heartfelt messages of love and prayer were often accompanied by his signature long strings of emojis, small but unmistakable reminders that someone was thinking of you.
Ron devoted his professional life to teaching music, orchestra, and chorus at James Buchanan Middle School and High School. Known affectionately as “Mr. E.” to countless students and fellow teachers alike, Ron retired at the age of 59 due to medical reasons, but his influence never stopped. He was far more than a teacher. He cared deeply about his students as individuals and about their families. He showed up for concerts, games, and life events long after students had graduated. He listened. He encouraged. He made people feel seen and valued. If someone wanted to help, Ron found a place for them. If someone needed support, Ron gave it freely.
Alongside his father-in-law, the late Don Helfrick, Ron sold Christmas trees, turning hard work into shared memories. Many of his students worked alongside him during summer breaks, learning responsibility, teamwork, and work ethic under Ron’s patient guidance. Even in these simple moments, he was teaching, mentoring, and quietly shaping lives.
One of Ron’s greatest joys began in childhood, when a neighbor, Richard “Dick” Stepler, took the time to teach Ron and his brother Allen how to build model airplanes. That simple act of kindness grew into a lifelong passion and friendship. Ron proudly named his garage “The Hangar” and became a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. He lovingly passed this passion on to his grandsons, nephews, and great-nephews, teaching them not only how to build airplanes, but how to be patient, persistent, and creative. Even as his illness progressed, Ron continued to build. His brother would fly the planes. When they crashed, Ron rebuilt them. It was never about perfection. It was about joy, perseverance, and togetherness.
To his grandchildren, he was “Papa.” To his nieces and nephews, he was “Uncle Ron.” To generations of students and colleagues, he will forever be “Mr. E.” To countless others, he was a mentor, a prayer partner, and a friend.
Ron was joyful, optimistic, creative, and sincere. He was a dreamer with a gentle heart and a steady faith. Music remained a constant throughout his life. He sang with a 1970s Christian rock band called Reach Out and later with the Faith and Hope Singers, traveling throughout the tristate area to share music, faith, and encouragement with churches and communities. He was also the director of Music Camp at Rhodes Grove Camp for several summers and was a member of Joyful Noise under the direction of Dianne Salter.
Ron loved people, and people loved him. He was a talker, a listener, and someone who never rushed a goodbye. Leaving a conversation was a process, because connection mattered to him. Every interaction was an opportunity to encourage, to laugh, or simply to be present.
In addition to his beloved wife, Sharon, Ron leaves behind three children: Ryan K. Eshleman (Jill) of Elizabethtown, KY, Rusty A. Eshleman (Renae) of Greenville, OH, and Rachel L. Knoll (Nathanial) of Chambersburg, PA; eleven cherished grandchildren, Christopher, Austin, Lillian, Liam, Ella, Levi, Oaklyn, Eden, Haddie, Silas, and Elliana; his brother, Allen R. Eshleman (fiancé, Debbie Martin) of Mercersburg, PA; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, and his mother-in-law, Pauline B. Helfrick, Chambersburg, PA, all of who loved him dearly.
In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by a grandchild, Baby Knoll, and a sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Eshleman.
The love his family, friends, students, and fellow educators have for Ron is immeasurable, and his absence leaves a profound quiet where his warmth once lived.
Ron Eshleman lived that life fully, faithfully, and with a heart wide open. His legacy of love, music, faith, and kindness will continue to echo in the lives of all who were blessed to know him.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at King Street Church, 162 E. King Street, Chambersburg, PA, with Pastors Becky Hann, Ron Cook, and Aaron Perry officiating. Burial will follow in Parklawns Memorial Gardens, Chambersburg.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the church, and again one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to King Street Church, at the address above, Rhodes Grove Camp & Conference Center, 7693 Browns Mill Rd. Chambersburg, PA 17202, or to the Ron & Sharon Eshleman Choral Arts Award, mail to Tuscarora School District, 100 W. Seminary St. Mercersburg, PA 17236.
Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, 521 S. Washington Street, Greencastle, PA, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.
