Ron was an all around great man! Worked several details with him! He was very professional and exhibited his love for his family on numerous occasions! I’m very sorry for your loss and know he is in a better place! God bless you and Ron’s entire family!! GJ

Whenever I was out walking, I would stop and chat, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Ron was the one to teach me the four rules to shooting and how to safely handle a firearm. I am very grateful for the time he took when I was younger to make sure I was safe. Those lessons have stuck with me and are being passed on to my daughter. I always made sure to never speed through Springfield or Ozark for fear of Ron or Susan pulling me over and my parents finding out before I got home. I looked up to both Ron and Susan and their dedication to creating a better place for us to live. The Cole’s are a wonderful family built on a strong foundation that Ron and Susan created.

Ron was a great neighbor for several years and a good friend. He was always available to help me and my daughter when needed after my husband passed away. He will be missed by many. Praying for comfort for the family.

Ron was our neighbor for my entire life growing up, when he owned horses he would let me hop over our back fence and pet them, I loved that so much and have pictures with them, one was a paint and the other was brown. I remember petting them really soft and he assured me I couldn’t pet them too hard haha. He also had Dalmatians, which were my favorite dog breed, he was always outside with the dogs and always came to the fence to say hello. He always asked me how I was doing and if I was staying out of trouble! (Because one night he caught me sneaking out at midnight to meet one of my friends in high school) I had to apologize to him the next day haha. He always looked out for our neighborhood and made my family always feel safe he was looking out for us. He was such a wonderful man and I can’t believe he is gone. I grew up always seeing him mowing or working outside in his shop, I wish I could have said goodbye but I’m so happy he got to live across the street from his family….that must have meant the world to him. The last time I saw him he had come over to help me fix the fire pit on the back porch, he was always helpful and always kind. We loved you for that Ron. Thank you.

I was saddened to learn Ron died. My thoughts and prayers are with his family as they go through this difficult time. Bob Powell Lee's Summit, MO

I worked with Ron for many years at Troop D. One of my favorite co-workers. He was so good natured and friendly and he gave me some great advice. Rest in peace, Ron.

Rest in peace dear friend. Worked with Ron for several years at Troop D. His was always a pleasure to be around. 🙏

So sorry for your loss. I’m a retired civilian employee of Troop D, and I remember Ron.

I like the part of the obituary that says he is with his Lord and Savior. We were brothers in Christ.

Praying for the family. He was a great guy.

I'm sad to read this. Just this last week I came across a handmade wooden pen that Ron made and wondered how he and Susan were doing. As a young deputy in the early 90's working a lot of nights by myself we relied on Troopers as back up. I can't remember how many times Ron showed up but I do remember how I felt when he did, and that was relief. Just his presence alone would cool down the situation and if it did not then his words would. But it was more than that, as rookie deputy, I was always learning but he never made me feel like one and I'm sure there were more times than not he wanted to, I can remember he saying several times can I make a suggestion. One late night we were responding to a wrong way driver on Hwy 65. Long story short I did not see him coming when I pulled onto CC and somehow he avoided hitting me. It was not until a few moments later I realized who it was and began having some very uncomfortable thoughts about my future. I spent the next half hour avoiding him and working up the courage to meet up with him, I mean this is a guy who could tear a phonebook in half!! To my surprise he was not mad, and with that big grin he said "That was a close one." Ron was a big man with a big smile and bigger heart. The world is a better and safer place because of him and he will be missed.

He was a great traveling partner and friend. We had great times. I am certainly praying for the family.

I’m a paramedic and I always loved when Ron was on a scene. He always had our backs and always just a great guy. Praying for his family. Rest in peace Ron.

Ron was a patrol class mate and fellow dog handler. Great person and mentor. My condolences.

Sending our condolences. Thinking of you all in this difficult time.

Though I don't believe we ever met, you were my brother in arms. May your soul rest in peace.

Dad was my hero. He had the kindest soul out of anyone I have ever met. He was the best dad and I miss him very much.

So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing, he was really one of the good guys!

I will always remember Dad as being so strong, yet so kind to everyone. Even when he was in the hospital, you could still see that inner strength within him. He was such a great father and will be greatly missed.

Ron was always kind and welcoming to me and was an awesome PawPaw to Zach. The world is much poorer for his absence.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.