Ronald “Ron” Keith Vernon, 77, of Ridgeway, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Missouri following complications from a surgical procedure.
Ron was born on May 5, 1948 in Kansas City, Missouri to Howard William and Opal G. (Fitzpatrick) Vernon. He was known by his family and friends as Ron, Ronnie, and occasionally Ronald K. He enlisted in the United States Army from 1968 – 1970 and served in Vietnam. He married Lory McLain on April 14, 1970, who had an infant son, Tim Dollard, who Ron raised as his own. They moved to Jamesport, Missouri in 1973. And in 1975, they had a daughter, Rhonda. Over the years, Ron worked at Saint Regis Paper Company in Kansas City, Owned the Jamesport Tavern for a short while, built houses and hauled Amish for Ferman Hostetler, worked for Trenton Foods in Trenton, Missouri, and hauled vehicles for Allied Truck Lines until he retired. He was also a member of the Teamsters Local 41.
Ron married Kathy Graves in 1984 and brought two children to the family, Trisha L. Bishop and Russell A. Bishop. Ronnie educated both children in gun safety, shooting squirrels and deer hunting. Russell continued to deer hunt with Ronnie and even brought his children to Ronnie’s place in Ridgeway last November to hunt. Ron was often called “The Great White Hunter,” by many of those he taught the skills of deer hunting to.
Ron was an avid hunter of deer and coons, a fisherman, and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycles and trike going for adventures along the roadways. He had many friends he would do anything for and was there to help if he was ever needed. He truly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He will be missed by many and remembered by all who knew him.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Linda Neudeck. He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Huston and husband Shawn of Jamesport, MO; step son, Tim Dollard of Chillicothe, MO; grandson, Russell and wife Sara of Cameron, MO; great granddaughter, Braylee Huston of Cameron, MO; brothers, Dennis Vernon of Excelsior Springs, MO and Gary Vernon of Kansas City, MO; nieces, Cheryl and Marsha; nephews, Brian and Eric; and one great grandson on the way.
Visitation is set for 10 AM Friday, June 20th, at Roberson Funeral Home, 1107 South 25th Street, Bethany MO. Graveside Military Honors will be at 11:30 June 20th, at Allen Cemetery in Eagleville, MO.
