Ronald "Pops" Metts

Ronald Dean Metts, 72, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at his home.
Ronald Dean Metts was born on December 14, 1953, in Clayton, Missouri, to the late Vernon and Lavonne (Sullivan) Metts. He grew up in Saint John, Missouri, and attended school in the Rittner School District. Ron later married his childhood friend, Susie Brown, and together they had two children, Jody and Rhonda. Later in life, Ron welcomed Joshua and Erica into his life, accepting them and loving them as his own. As a family, they enjoyed camping, playing music, and spending quality time together. Although Ron and Susie later divorced, they remained good friends and continued to care deeply for one another throughout the years.
Ron later married Bethany Bondie on December 11, 1983. Beth embraced Ron's children as her own, and together they built a loving home filled with music, fishing trips, and family gatherings-especially time spent with their grandchildren. Ron was employed by Chrysler Automotive, living for a time in Valley Park, Missouri, before transferring to Kokomo, Indiana, where he worked for several years. He eventually returned to Sullivan, which he made his final home. Beth preceded Ron in death in April of 2022.
Ron had a deep love for old country music and could play nearly any instrument he picked up. He enjoyed a cold Busch beer, trips to deer camp, and fishing at Kentucky Lake. Above all else, his entire world was his family. Ron had a huge sense of humor, often times ornery, a jokester about everything-and was well known for lovingly "lecturing" his grandchildren. He was a devoted father and grandfather who would help anyone in need and always put others before himself. Ron loved people from all walks of life, and his home was always open. He was a "bonus dad" and "bonus grandpa" to many and was affectionately known as "Pops."
Ron found his church home at The Ridge Church of Sullivan, where he accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized in June of 2022. There, he met his special friend Jeri Price, and together they enjoyed serving as greeters and volunteering with the VFW and The Ridge Church sponsored warming center each year. Ron will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were truly fortunate to know him.
He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Messex and husband Josh of Richwoods, Missouri; and by, Joshua Stevenson and wife Jessie of Saint Clair, Missouri and Erica Hobson and husband Rich of Beaumont, TX, whom he loved as his own; 12 granchildren: Jordan Metts and fiancé Marissa Martin, Taylor Valentine and husband Ryan, Kaitlyn Sansoucie and husband Kyle, Tanner Martin, Alli Messex, Maycie Messex, Madyson Williams, Paityn Williams, Katie McDaniel, Hunter Stevenson, Lily Stevenson and Charlie Stevenson; seven great – grandchildren: Bohen, Kamdyn, Harper, Brailee, Maverick, Vivian and Declan; other relatives and many friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Bethany Metts; a son, Jody Metts; his parents, Vernon and Lavonne Metts; and his brother, Gary Metts.
Funeral Services will be 1 PM, Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at the Eaton Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Dudley officiating. Interment will follow at the Crestview Memorial Park Cemetery – Saint Clair.
Visitation will be 10 AM – 1 PM, Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at the Eaton Funeral Home prior to the funeral service.
Friends may send their online condolences to Ron's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in honor of Ron's son, Jody Metts.
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald "Pops" Metts, please visit our floral store.