Ronald Wayne Polston, 94, of Raymond, died on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Dallas, TX.
Mr. Polston was born to Joseph Marion Polston Sr. and Minnie Viola (Wilson) Polston on Nov. 1, 1931, and was the youngest of the ten children. He attended Raymond public schools, graduating from Raymond High School in 1949. He then enrolled in Eastern Illinois University, from which he graduated in 1953. He volunteered for the draft in June of 1953 and served two years before enrolling in the University of Illinois School of Law in September of 1955. He graduated with an LLB degree in 1958 and accepted a position with the law firm of Craig and Craig in Mt. Vernon. It was in Mt. Vernon where he also met MaryAnn Campbell, who he later married in 1961. He went on to become a partner of the firm in 1964.
He left Craig and Craig in 1965 to join the faculty of Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, IN, as an assistant professor of law. He was promoted to the position of associate professor in 1968 and to a full professorship in 1972. From 1968 to 1970 he also served as assistant dean of the law school. He wrote extensively and published many articles in various journals of legal education during his career. In 1988, the law school created a summer exchange program for law students between Illinois University and China. He directed the first of those summer programs and led two other programs in subsequent years.
In 1995, the couple retired and returned to Raymond to live. They were active travelers and visited many places all over the world in retirement. Mr. Polston was an avid gardener and loved to grow and show off his collection of orchids. He was also an excellent baker and enjoyed visits from his grandchildren during the summers each year. He had a passion for history and restoring old houses as well. He remained active in the community and drove alumni donations to the local school.
He is survived by his children, Anne (Chris) Polston Penrose and Joseph Polston; grandchildren, Mackenzie (Ben) Lavietes and Graham Penrose.
Mr. Polston was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Minnie Polston; wife, MaryAnn Polston; and siblings, Roscoe Polston, Lillian Herzog, Joseph Polston, Louise Bruntjen,Woodrow Polston, Wilbur Polston, Alice Perry, Robert Polston and Alberta Griffin.
