Ronnie Dean Erven

1946 - 2025

Born on May 30, 1946, Ronnie Dean Erven was the only child of Roscoe and Mildred (Jenkins) Erven. He attended Bolivar schools, graduating in 1964. He enrolled at Southwest Baptist College (now SBU) and obtained an AA degree in business. Prior to graduating, however, he became engaged to Marinell Rayfield, a little cheerleader he met in their government class.

They married on July 2, 1966, at which time Ron transferred to SMS (now MSU) and pursued a degree in industrial education while Marinell worked full-time and Ron worked part-time at Sears. During his college years he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he served as a field medic for six years until he was honorably discharged. Marinell began college, as well, and both graduated in 1969. Marinell began teaching in Springfield and Ron left to serve his time on active duty.

Upon his return, both began teaching in Ellington. This was a wonderful period in their lives as their two children were born while they lived there. Ron became a member of the Barnesville Masonic Lodge while there and remained a member until his death.

He had been saved at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church when he was 11 years old. In 1973, he told of his call to preach. The family moved to Bolivar, and he was ordained at Pleasant Hill that same year. He was hired as assistant production manager at Teters Products and later promoted to vice-president of human resources as the company grew.

As such, he flew to all 48 contiguous states, hiring, training and managing sales staff. He always returned on weekends to pastor various churches, the last two of which were Calvary MB in Bolivar and Canaan MB in Springfield. He was a beloved pastor and friend.

While in Bolivar he served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, was a member and president of the Optimist Club and helped raise funds for area Girls Scouts. He was an avid dirt-racing fan and collected limited edition replica cars. He always said, "Dirt is for racing, asphalt is for getting there."

He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Marinell: daughter Tiffany Hockanson (David); son Derek (Candi); granddaughters Allie Moore and Cannyon Goff, grandson Zane Erven; and his cherished great-granddaughters, Rain and Noah Moore and Evy Erven.

Services for Ron will be 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. Visitation will be held from 10 -11 a.m. Monday, September 22, 2025, at the funeral Home.