Ronald G. “Ron” Havelka, 60, of Parsons died early Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, at his home.

He was born Dec. 7, 1950, in Miami, Fla., to Rudolph and Mildred (Novotny) Havelka. He grew up in Lake Worth and West Palm Beach, Fla., where he attended schools. He later attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He then served in the Army 3 ½ years before being honorably discharged.

In 1972, he moved to Parsons where he worked as a music therapist at Parsons State Hospital and Training Center until retiring 10 years ago.

He enjoyed model railroading and playing the keyboard. In earlier years, he belonged to Salt and Pepper, a musical group that played in the Parsons area. He was a Methodist.

On Aug. 4, 1973, he married Sandra S. Wadkins in McCune. She survives of the home.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.