Ronald Guy Barnes passed away on February 10, 2023 at his home in Kimberling City, Missouri.
Ron was born in Pittsburg, Kansas on October 12, 1939 to Mildred Rena (Pilkenton) and Guy Everett Barnes. He attended schools in Pittsburg and Lawrence, Kansas. He married Karen Kay Lewis and had two daughters, Kimberly and Melody.
Ron worked several jobs as a young man before settling into a career with the Kroger Company. After retirement from Kroger he went to work for the Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority. Upon his second retirement, he decided that he still wasn’t quite ready to “sit around” and took on a job as a school bus driver for the Lawrence School District, which resulted in numerous friendships.
After a whirlwind romance, he married the love of his life, Donna Veree Schultz on February 2, 1996. They recently celebrated 27 loving years together.
Once Ron and Donna decided they wanted to retire (for real), they moved to their happy place near Branson, Missouri where they have lived life to the fullest for the past four years. Ron was involved in their local homeowner’s association serving in various leadership roles, including President.
Ron loved to travel, read, and his fix-it skills were legendary among family and friends. He had funny stories and fond memories of epic trips as he explored much of the west and southwest USA. One trip that may have topped all others was when Ron and Donna spent several weeks exploring Alaska by land and water.
Ron is survived by his wife, Donna; sister, Barbara Babboni; daughters, Kim (Andy) Booth and Melody Barnes; stepchildren, Delbert Schultz, Sara Schultz and Kristi Thompson; 17 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren (4 great grandchildren on the way), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, stepson, Kenneth Frederick Schultz, and great granddaughter Aubree Ann Martin.
A service to celebrate a life well lived will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on February 27th at 11:00 am.
Ron had love for animals, particularly dogs and cats. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal rescue organization.
Donna and Family, so sorry for your loss. Ron was always such a nice person, always smiling. I will always remember him bringing us cantaloupe during the hot summer months. Man were we good. Going to miss you Mr. Ron.
I too worked with Ron for years at the Housing Authority. We became Good Buddies and I just loved him
I went to high school with Ron, nice guy. Saw him again in Branson, Mo. at Silver Dollar City several times. He loved being in Kimberling
City, and was still a wonderful guy. See you again someday Ron.
RIP Ron. Enjoyed working with Ron at the housing authority in the 90s. Such a kind man. My deepest sympathies to all his family.
My heart is broken. I’ll love you forever.
You will truly be missed Uncle Ron, by all who knew and loved you..
Prayers to the entire family. I was lucky enough to work with Ron at Kroger’s many years ago. Ron was an awesome human and always had something to say to get you to laugh.
RIP Ron, see you on the other side for a beer.
Donna, I am so sorry to hear about Ron. I hadn’t even realized you had moved to Mo. I always enjoy seeing you on fb.