Ronald Eugene Ward, age 82, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on January 20, 2024, at Cox Medical Center South. Ron was born to Hershel and Virginia Ward on December 18, 1941 in Springfield, MO. He was raised in Springfield, MO and graduated from Parkview in 1959. Ron was united in marriage to Michelle on June 20, 1998. The couple were blessed with their blended family of 5 daughters.

Ron was an entrepreneur, owning many businesses over the years, starting with Ward Plumbing. Over the course of his career Ron was a home builder and enjoyed remodeling homes. He was a proud owner and operator of several restaurants, where he was able to share his love of food. When not working, he had many interests and pastimes including farming, auctions, music, and collecting automobiles. Nothing, however, brought him more fulfillment than tending to cattle, being on a tractor, bailing hay and collecting animals for his grandkids on the farm. Ron will be remembered as a man who never quit working and always had a silly sense of humor followed with a little stubbornness. Above all Ron being a husband, father and grandfather always brought him the most joy.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Hershel and his step mother Dee; his mother Virginia Royston and step father Barney. He is survived by his wife Michelle Ward; Daughter Tracie Wade and husband Gene; Daughter Stephanie Reed and husband Jamie; Daughter Courtney Bland; Daughter Crystal Bland; Daughter Lori Nall and husband Jeff; Grandchildren, Josh, Hannah, Logan, Jared, Toby, Brecklynn, Breeleigh, Blake, Jaleah; Great grandchildren, Hayden, Asher; Siblings, Gerry Ward, Larry Royston, Joe Royston, Sandra House; and a many more family and friends.

A visitation for Ron will be held on Wednesday, the 24th of January, 2024, at 12:00 PM to 2:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home South. A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Greenlawn Funeral Home South with a burial to follow at Hazelwood Cemetery.