Ronald Leroy Moore Sr., age 86, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026. He was born on March 10, 1940, in Springfield, Missouri, to William Lee Moore and Mary Catherine Moore.

Ron graduated from Central High School in 1958 and immediately began serving his country in the United States Navy Reserve. He served honorably as a Boatswain’s Mate until his discharge in July of 1963. Following his military service, Ron began what would become a lifelong and highly respected career in construction. Starting in residential building, he steadily rose through the ranks in large-scale hotel, commercial, and multifamily construction projects, retiring as a VP of Commercial Construction. His work took him and his family across the United States, often spending years at a time building in one location before moving on to the next project. Though he traveled widely, he held a special love for the American Southwest and Colorado.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ron was a gifted and passionate artist. Entirely self-taught, he began with sketching before expanding into painting, glass etching, and eventually semi-professional wood carving. His artwork, widely admired for its craftsmanship and beauty, can be found in businesses, galleries, and private homes across the country. Among his most remarkable creations is a life-sized wood carving of an eagle displayed in a dear friend’s home overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.

Ron also found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially spending time at the lake and fishing. He was known for his strong work ethic, creative spirit, and the deep friendships he formed throughout his life.

He and his beloved wife, Jane Moore, first knew each other in childhood. Though life took them in different directions for many years, they reconnected in 1978 and were soon married, building a lasting and devoted partnership together.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Moore; his parents, William Lee Moore and Mary Catherine Moore; and his boss, business partner, and lifelong friend, Lloyd Kipp.

He is survived by his brother, Gary D. Moore, and his wife, Mary, children: Ron Moore Jr. and his wife, Sarah; Randall Moore and his wife, Denise; David Moore; and Amy Stephens and her husband, Robert. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jessica Spickard and her husband D.A.; Jason Moore and his wife Emily; Taylor Roberts and her husband Nathan; Patricia Shannon and her husband Ross; Natasha Martin; Louisa Kraft; Miles Stephens; Lydia Stephens; and Graham Stephens; Cameron Stephens and wife Annie; Makayla Anderson and husband Trevor along with eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service honoring Ron’s life will be held on April 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

Ron will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on not only in the structures he built and the art he created, but in the lives he touched along the way.