Ronald Kenneth Middleton, age 89, passed away on March 20, 2026.
Ronald Kenneth Middleton, Ron, aka Grandpa Ken, age 89, went home to his mansion in heaven on Friday March 20, 2026 surrounded by family in his home at The Bungalows, Branson MO.
He was born October 9, 1936 in Williamsville Missouri to Cloris Eugene and Beatrice Evelyn (Randolph) Middleton. He was one of five children – Evelyn Miller, Patricia James, Robert Middleton, Gary Middleton.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Anita, second wife Wanda, parents, siblings and Grandson Dmitriy Taylor.
His legacy lives on through his children: Lorrie (Mark) Taylor of Branson, MO, Douglas (Julie) Middleton of Jefferson City MO, Karen (Curtis) Blase of Canyon Lake, TX, David (Carrie) Middleton of Evergreen, CO, and Wanda’s daughter Deborah (James) Veltman of Chicago, IL; along with 17 Grandchildren, 22 Great-Grandchildren plus 2 on the way…and counting.
His father and grandfather were both preachers who taught him to love the Lord. He served the Lord his entire life by teaching Sunday School and RA’s, helping with youth and puppet ministries, taking mission trips, serving as deacon and church planting.
His strong devotion to family was demonstrated by how he spent time raising his children in a loving, Christian home, (even taking in children who were not his own), quality time with family, supporting his children’s activities and dreams, taking road trips, making sure to stay in touch with extended family, and selflessly taking care of his wife Anita, his parents and brother in their later years. His face would always light up when his children or grandchildren entered the room.
Upon graduating from University of Missouri with a degree in Statistics, he had a long career as Research Analyst with Missouri Department of Transportation, retiring after 38 years of service. He later dabbled in Real Estate while caring for his wife and parents…And played golf every chance he could get.
In 2011, he started a new adventure by moving to Branson, to be near family. He quickly got involved with his church there, enjoyed playing all the local golf courses, and took up the hobby of collecting firearms and reloading ammo. To keep busy after Wanda’s passing, he embarked on a second career with Mark as upholstery apprentice at Branson Upholstery.
He was married to Anita for 59 years. Two years after her passing, he asked his children’s permission to start dating Wanda from his church. They were married 9 years and 3 months of their 10 year goal, until her death in 2025.
No matter the challenge, he never lost his sense of humor or his strong faith in the Lord.
A celebration of life will be held 6 pm on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson MO. Visitation will be at 5 pm. Burial will be in Hawthorne Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City, MO.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Options Pregnancy Clinic, 192 Expressway Lane, Ste A, Branson MO 65616.
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