Ronald Stevenson LeFors

1947 - 2023

Ronald Stevenson LeFors, 76, of Florissant, MO and Texarkana, TX was called home to the Lord on Wednesday December 13, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.

Known as "Appa' by his family, Ronald was born September 6, 1947 in Kansas City, KS. A star athlete and valedictorian of St. Mary's High School in Independence, MO, he declined a West Point scholarship to attend Notre Dame where he once interviewed author Kurt Vonnegaut.

In 1970 he received his associates degree in Orthotics from Cerritos College in California, the start of a half-century career in orthotics, prosthetics and pedorthics. Ron ran his own family practice for over two decades and spent the last seven years at the Hanger Clinic in Texarkana working with his son, David.

Ron was a man of conviction, with many interests and opinions who loved giving advice. He enjoyed house hunting, bowling, bocce ball, Westerns, and planting azaleas. He found peace in yard work, was an adept spades player, and could cut a rug with the Mrs. He possessed an encyclopedic memory from a lifetime of reading and had a soft spot for dogs and cats. Ron wished to see his sons in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and often requested a cover of "Dueling Banjos" on the cello. He lived all over the United States and once lived in Sydney, Australia for several years with the Kriya Yoga Society before eventually returning to the States and to the Catholic Church.

A true servant of the Lord, "Deacon Ron", as his parishioners knew him, always gave of himself in service of others. In the church, in the community, and to those incarcerated, he cared and prayed for them all the same. Sermons were accessible and relatable, drawing on his personal experience. Ron's love of the Lord was only matched by the love for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mafalda and Durward LeFors, and grandsons, Joshua David LeFors and Justin LeFors.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia (Spencer) LeFors; his loving sister and co-worker of 20 years, Janne' Crew of East Alton, IL and his sister, Leslie LeFors of Fredrick, MD; his seven sons Jacob, David (Jess), Steven (Luciana), Andrew (Karen), Jeffrey (Emily), Michael, Joseph; thirteen grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Angela Merici Church in Florissant, MO. Reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation at https://leukemiarf.org/donate/