Ronald Alan Bernhardt, 77, of Baxter

Ronald Alan Bernhardt, affectionately known as Ron, was born on December 4, 1947, in Mansfield, Ohio. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at his residence in Baxter, Tennessee.

Ron dedicated his career to the tool and die industry in central Ohio before bringing his family to Tennessee in 1986, where he excelled as a manufacturing engineer at Nielsen & Bainbridge in Gainesboro. His commitment and expertise in his field allowed him to thrive and retire after more than twenty years of dedicated service.

Known for his love of a good laugh and work ethic, Ron was a cherished figure amongst his family and friends. He enjoyed a family gathering, particularly with his sons and grandchildren, where his playful mischief shone brightly amidst their adventures.

Ron was an accomplished craftsman, skilled in woodworking, carving decoy birds, stained glass crafts, and making the occasional piece of furniture. He found satisfaction in manual skills learned in tool and die making, applying them to crafts and hobbies. An avid outdoorsman, he found pleasure in hunting and fishing, often sharing those experiences with cherished family members and friends. Additionally, Ron had a fascination with remote-controlled airplanes, which provided him with hours of joy and creativity.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Deborah Bernhardt; his sons, Adam Bernhardt (wife, Karen), Aaron Bernhardt (wife, Marie), and Ethan Bernhardt (wife, Julie); and his cherished grandchildren, David Bernhardt (fiancé, Courtney Gelinas), Hannah Bernhardt Kixmiller (husband, Evan), Hayden, Kate, Lily, and Landon Bernhardt, Lauren and Hannah Durbin. He also leaves behind his brother Jerry Bernhardt (wife, Sandy), sister Pam Porter (husband, Dave), sister-in-law Darcy Patrick, and niece and nephew Kyle Bernhardt and Trisha Olson.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Joy Dinger Bernhardt.

A funeral service to honor Ron will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 10, at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Pastor Scott McKinney will officiate. Visitation for friends and family will be Sunday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and again Monday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Ron will be laid to rest at Cookeville City Cemetery.

Ronald Alan Bernhardt will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on through the love he shared with his family and the memories he created.

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931) 526-6111.
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