Ronnie Emery

Ronald Ray Emery, son of Arvel and Lois Cearley Emery, was born on May 22, 1948, in Vanzant, Missouri, and departed his earthly home on November 14, 2025, after a long-fought battle with cancer. He was 77 years, 5 months, and 13 days old.

Ronnie attended school until 8th grade at Vanzant and then graduated from Dora High School with the class of 1966. After graduation, he went into the workforce spending many years at Brown Shoe Factory. He then retired after several years from the maintenance department at Mountain Grove Schools. However, he never truly retired, because as a lifelong farmer, he would tell you the work never ends.

On June 10, 1972, Ronnie was united in marriage to Sharon Curtis. Two children were born to this union, Rusty and Jeremy. They spent their time travelling, enjoying the lake with family and friends, and later spending time with their grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

Ronnie loved the outdoors. He grew up riding horses and running his coon dogs. If he wasn’t on the farm cutting wood or feeding his cows, you could find him hunting, fishing, looking for mushrooms, or attending a Panther football game. He truly loved people and never met a stranger.

Ronnie was saved and baptized and was a faithful member of the Willow Springs #2 Free Will Baptist Church in Vanzant where he was a devoted Sunday School teacher. Ronnie loved the Lord and enjoyed the time he spent with his church family.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Arvel and Lois Emery, his brother, Larry Emery, and his father-in-law, Alva Curtis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sharon Emery, and two children, Rusty Emery and wife Amy and Jeremy Emery and wife Teri; and four grandchildren, Damon, Reagan, Addison and Isaiah Emery. He is also survived by one brother, Randy Emery and wife Mickie; mother-in-law, Doris Gilley Clark; brothers-in-law, Larry Curtis and wife Debbie, and Gary Curtis and wife Teresa; sisters-in-law, Debi Reed and husband Marc, Shirley Fletcher and husband Rick, and Linda Driver and husband Kenny; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him greatly.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Vanzant Cemetery.