Ronnie VanZant, 68, of Farley, Missouri, passed away at his home on Sunday, November 12, 2017. Ronnie was born August 16, 1949, to Ulas Echol and Ruth June (McEntire) VanZant. He grew up in Lathrop and graduated from Lathrop High School in 1967, where he held a pole vaulting record for over 30 years. Ronnie served his country in the US Army, being stationed in Italy and Greece from 1975-1976. He married Judith Kathleen Johnson on May 14, 1983 in Kansas City, MO. Ronnie started his career at BNSF Railroad, before becoming an elevator mechanic with Thyssenkrupp. He was with them for 33 years before retiring. Working was fun for Ronnie, so he soon took up the hobby of making his own knives, to which he devoted at least 40 hours a week. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed mushroom hunting and even collecting, chopping, and stacking firewood. He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous since June of 1981. His recovery, as well as mentoring and helping others, was a big part of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons Brian and Scott; brothers Ray and Joe; and sister Gay Durbin. Ronnie is survived by his wife of 34 years; children Kelly (Jeremy) Welch of Platte City, MO, Carolyn (Ronnie) Scott of Kansas City, MO, Courtney (Eric) Wampler of Kansas City, MO, and Levi (Lauren) VanZant of Platte City, MO; grandchildren Maliyah, Lane, Trinity, Brody, Walker, Otto, and one pending!; siblings Roy VanZant of Wichita, KS, Joy Tapp of Liberty, MO, and Loy (Joan) VanZant of Kearney, MO; sister-in-law Minni VanZant; brother-in-law Kenny Durbin; his beloved Belgian Sheppard Thor; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Following cremation, a visitation will be held Friday, November 17th from 5-7 pm at the Ridgely Christian Church, 19995 S Ridgely Road, Edgerton, MO 64444. A memorial service will follow at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family so they can support local recovery groups.
Friday, November 17, 2017
7:00 PM