Ronald James Proctor

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved friend and adventurer, Ronald James Proctor, who left this world on February 13, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with a terrible disease. He was 69 years old.
He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 11, 1954, in St. Anthony's Hospital. He inherited his restless spirit and curiosity from his ancestors, who had traveled across the continents and the oceans in search of new lands and experiences. He was always fascinated by the wonders of nature and the mysteries of the universe, and he dreamed of visiting other places and realms. He made many of those dreams into reality.
Ron grew up in Tularosa and Alamogordo New Mexico where he enjoyed exploring and climbing mountains with his dad and Grandpa Foss. He loved going to White Sands and running up and down the sand dunes with his sister and having lunches in the park with his family. It was always fun taking the vacuum to their dog Cindy after arriving back home from an adventure - trying to get the white sand out of her black hair. (Even if she didn't think it was a lot of fun.)
Carlsbad caverns was another favorite. Ron could have gone there every weekend. He always felt drawn to exploration. Later when Ron moved to St. Charles, Missouri he and his friends, Rick Post, Jay Brakensiek, and Mark Cowen and sometimes Lonnie Bush would explore undiscovered caves in the Missouri hills. The stories were often quite scary, but he always made it back home with a smiling face (and usually covered in mud). His merry band of adventurers were some of the very few to reach the back of Fischer's cave, where they found a tin can engraved with the names of explorers from the 30's. Bennet Springs was another place Ron loved going to with his family. That's where Ron and his sisters learned just about everything there is to know about fishing and camping from their Dad. Ron simply loved life and his family.
He pursued his passion for science and medicine at Truman State University, where he graduated medical school in 1978. During these years he spent a lot of time with his friends and began his ongoing collecting of sports cars, usually ones way too small for a man of his height.
He was commissioned in the Air Force, traveling far and abroad as a flight surgeon. He once caught a photograph of a Soviet airman who was taking a picture of him at the same time while their planes were flying near each other (probably neither were allowed to do that). He then embarked on a series of remarkable adventures that took him to the most remote and exotic places on Earth, and beyond. He explored Egypt, getting in a little trouble when he claimed not to have seen the sign prohibiting climbing the great pyramid, the islands of the Pacific, living for several years in Hawaii and much more. He encountered many dangers and marvels along the way, and he made friends with people of many different cultures. Throughout his life he visited more than 43 countries and was a polyglot learning numerous languages.
Ron did have a complicated relationship with colors, being colorblind, sometimes his choices mystified others. From bright orange shoes and sports cars to a van with royal purple and blue shag interior. Those around him often would marvel at these combinations that colored his world. He was not only a fearless explorer, but a caring generous physician. He was called Dr. Ron by many patients who he cared for with a heart of gold and a healing touch. He spent many years working in the E.R. being vitalized by all the chaos, while he also ran his own private practice. He chronicled his amazing adventures through memories he built with his children through games, stories, and adventures, taking them climbing, exploring and caving. He was an avid chess player and sci-fi fan, reading and watching about worlds he couldn't travel to in person. He was a man of honor, compassion, and courage, who inspired many to follow their dreams and to make the world a better place.
From his childhood dog Cindy to his college dogs Strider and Sammy and all the rest of his furry fluffy friends, his love and compassion extended well beyond just the humans whose lives he touched.
He discovered the love of creating stained glass, woodworking, and many varied games. He had a passion for trying out new hobbies and learning to excel at the skills required in each venture, always happy to teach others the things he had mastered.
He is survived by his wife, Dee Anna Treece, his children; Shaun and Carolina Brune (Son and Daughter in law), Justin and Jennifer Proctor (Son and Daughter in law), Larissa Proctor (Daughter), Stephanie and Thomas Talley (Daughter and Son in law); his grandchildren Julian Proctor, Izzy Watts, Mitchel Watts, Mia and Elanna Brune, Maddie and Ainsley Talley, his Mother, Ruth (Foss)Faulkner, his siblings Donna McGinnis Smith and Gene Smith (Sister and Brother in law) and Joyce Pillow and Jon Dyer (Sister and Brother in law), along with so many cousins, nieces
and nephews, and his many friends and admirers. He loved and was loved by far too many to mention. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and by all who will know his stories. He was a true hero and a legend, who lived a life of adventure and wonder. He now rests among the stars, where he always belonged. He was preceded in death by his Father, James Proctor.
Ron was an amazing Father, Son, Brother, Husband, and Friend, who will always be loved. Travel well, until we see each other again.
Family Celebration of life for Ron on February 24, 2024 at 3:00pm at Buffalo Wild Wings at Bass Pro in St. Charles.
Main Celebration of life will be held in May 2024 at the lake when Dee gets healthier and is able to come home for a bit.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to Parkinson's foundation, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd. Fulton, MO 65251.