Ronald David "Ron" McCanless

Ronald D. McCanless, 84, of Independence, MO passed away January 9, 2022 at Rosewood Health Center. Ron was born August 23,1937, in Maryville, MO to Isaac and Marguerite McCanless. His wife of 54 years, Arlene (Osborne) McCanless, preceded him in death. Both Ron and Arlene are graduates of Richmond High School and were raised in Richmond, MO. Ron was a proud graduate of the University of Missouri and enjoyed spending time at MU Tiger sporting events. He especially was a faithful follower of the Missouri tiger football and basketball teams. After graduation from MU, Ron embarked on a career in international trade that took him to many destinations inside and outside the United States. International trade continued to open his understanding of the world and the communities that we live and work in. He enjoyed learning from his career and shared his enthusiasm for his profession by serving as the President of the Kansas City International Trade Club. Ron embraced what life offered and returned to school to receive a Masters in Theology where he served as a minister and in leadership roles for the Community of Christ church and Speaks Chapel. Out of these collective experiences he has provided daily examples of kindness and friendship to all he encountered. His smile and "Dad" humor will be greatly missed as each moment held the opportunity to learn what it meant to be a strong individual; loving husband; Dad; grandparent; great-grandparent and friend. Ron is survived by his sons R. David McCanless, Jr. (Susan) of Lee's Summit MO and Edward D. McCanless (Shelly) of Blue Springs, MO; granddaughters, Sarah McCanless Lathrop (Brandon), Courtenay Treece (Patrick), Maggie Hosfield (Tyler); grandson, Andrew McCanless (Mariah); and eight great-grandchildren. Contributions may be made to Outreach International, 112 W 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Richmond Memory Gardens, in Richmond, MO.