The Richmond News, Nov. 24, 2023

Ronald Lee “Ron” Essig, 63, of Independence, passed away Thursday, November 16, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 17, 1960, in Excelsior Springs to Charles Essig and Mary Katherine Parks. Ron is survived by his wife, Wendy Essig of the home, in Independence and their children of the home, Maisyn and Kody Essig; His children: Jessica (Kevin) Bennett of Richmond; Annie (Justin) Danner of Kansas City; Tyler (Vanessa) Perkins of San Jose, CA; Levi (Julia) McCall of Grain Valley; His daughter- in-law, Melissa Perkins of Hardin; His 11 grandchildren: Madalynn Bennett of Richmond; Tanner Bennett of Richmond; Natalie Perkins of Richmond; Parker Bennett of Richmond; Sidney Danner of Kansas City; Logan Perkins of Richmond; Molly Perkins of Hardin; Journee Perkins of Hardin; Evelyn Perkins of San Jose, CA; Brooklyn McCall of Grain Valley; Boston McCall of Grain Valley; His siblings: Ralph (Kathy) Essig; Kirk (Alicia) Essig; Glenda (Lynn) Pulliam; Doug Essig; His Mother and Father-in-law, Rick and Norma Bailey; His sister-in-law, Audria Reilly; His brother-in-law Donny (Buffy) Underwood; His aunt, Margaret Nordsieck; His uncle, David Essig; His several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Charles (Martha) Essig, mother, Mary Katherine Parks, first wife, Peggy Essig, uncle, Eddie (Dorothy) Essig, and son, Jeffery Perkins.

Ron was a devoted family man and beloved husband, father, and Papa. He loved traveling with his family and friends. One of his favorite places to visit was Panama City Beach, FL where you would find him watching sunsets at the beach every night. Ron graduated from Richmond High School in the class of 1979. He most recently worked for Hiland Dairy. Ron also worked several years in hospice, construction with his brother, Ralph, owner of Susie’s Diner in Richmond, and one of Ron’s favorite jobs was working with Bruce White at Cox’s Greenhouse in Richmond. He was an avid outdoorsman; you could often find him fishing, hunting, gardening, and building anything that was needed. He loved cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and attending home games. Ron had a huge heart, helping anyone in need, and had a sense of humor that would make you laugh in a moment’s notice. Ron always said he believed God’s purpose was for him to be a dad and he loved playing with his children and grandchildren. Ron will be dearly missed by his entire family and his many friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Ron Essig Memorial Fund. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., with services to follow at 2:00 P.M. Burial will be in Sunny Slope Cemetery, Richmond. Please remember to share your memories of Ron with the family by visiting www. thurmanfuneralhome.com (https://www.thurmanfuneralhome. com/).