Ronald Kent Philpot

Ronald Kent Philpot of Chicago, Illinois passed away on November 16, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 78.

Ron was born on the Southside of Chicago, to Willie Kent and Irma Jane Philpot on March 31, 1943. He was the only boy of four children and the second oldest of the siblings.

He attended George Washington Carver Elementary School in Altgeld Gardens until his family moved to Princeton Park where he attended and graduated from Harlan High School. At Harlan, Ron excelled at all sports. He was a Track star, taking his team all the way to state championships. His picture and trophy remained in the school trophy case for many years. While growing up in Altgeld Gardens, Ron became recognized as the lead singer of the “Block Three” boy group in the neighborhood where he lived. During a singing contest with the group, as lead singer, Ron helped them win the local talent contest by singing the well known hit of 1956, “Why do Fools Fall in Love” by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, which garnered crowds from the other eight blocks in the community! Ron became recognized as one of the best singers in Altgeld Gardens! Later on, his grandmother, Elizabeth Grant, would have Ron sing for her church group meetings and paid him quarters for his performances! Throughout his youth, he was always one of the more popular young men and had a quiet sense of humor  and affable manner with all people with whom he met.

When Ronald was 15, his father took him for riding lessons where he learned to ride a horse, English style, thus began his lifelong love of horseback riding. Ronald’s love of riding landed him in many parades and events in the Chicagoland area to include, the mounted patrol unit of the local sheriff’s department.

Ronald successfully worked as manager of a car wash in his younger years; was President of the Black Jaycees, and was a leader in numerous organizations. He served as a body guard to the first Black Mayor of Chicago; had a long career with CTA, starting as a driver, then later as a CTA Investigator; and served for many years in the Sheriff’s Department.

Ronald was preceded in death by Irma Philpot Thompson and Willie Philpot.

Ronald leaves behind his wife LaBarbara Philpot and her children Justin and Kevin Crowley. His first wife Paulette Philpot, mother of his two children; Craig Philpot Sr. (Nicole) and Sherby Philpot (daughter). Three sisters; Patricia Lovell, Joyce Smart, and Laneatha Mayberry (Robert). Grandchildren; Bianca Thurman (Tobias Jr.) and Craig Philpot Jr. Great grandchildren; Tobias III and Penelope Thurman. Nieces; Stacey (Larry), Kelly, LaToya (Anthony), LaTrese (DeMel), Nicole, Victoria. A beautiful host of great nieces and nephews. Ronald also leaves behind a host of other family members and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 13th, 2021 at Las Vegas Cremations with the (name of minister) of (church), officiating. Arrangements are by (funeral home).

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