The MINISTER officiating at the service will be Pastor Tony Reynolds.
VISITATION will be preceding the service from noon until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family suggests any MEMORIAL donations be made to AC First Christian Church or Appleton City Public Library.
Ronald D. Smith, age 81, Joplin, passed away on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at his home after a sudden illness.
Ron was born May 27, 1937 in Mulberry, Kansas, son of the late T. Dale Smith and Isabel Ryder Smith. He graduated from Mulberry High School, and then attended Kansas State University and Pittsburg State University. He married Barbara Borum on November 1, 1958 in Appleton City, Missouri. Ron also served with United States National Guard for 15 years.
He worked for P.& M Coal for several years before moving to Joplin in 1981 where he began working with Bud Hickson and Dale Oglesby with B & B Discount, and Greg Freeman with Freeman Liquidation, where he was currently still working for both. He enjoyed his work, but his Labradors held a special place. He was known for driving to work with his "pal" hanging out the back window.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Barbara; son, Kevin Smith and wife Allison of Polo, Missouri; daughter, Kerri Dawn Beaird and husband Larry of Grand Junction, Colorado; grandson, Parker Smith of Polo.
