Ronald "Ron" Cordry, devoted husband, father, grandfather and educator passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022.  He was born in Montrose, Missouri on October 22, 1931.  He was the 3 ^rd of five sons born to Raymond and Victoria (Casburn) Cordry.  The family moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1944.  Ron graduated from St. Agnes High School in 1949.  After graduation, he attended Southwest Missouri State before serving 4 years in the U.S. Air Force, during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge from the Air Force, he resumed his college studies graduating with a B.S. degree in Education from Southwest Missouri State in 1959.  He then began his career in education as a teacher at Millwood  Intermediate School in Santa Clara, California.  Ron married and from this union two daughters were born, Julie Ann and Jill Lynn.  The family moved back to Springfield after Julie was born.  Ron then began a teaching/administrative career that covered six decades with the Springfield R-12 Schools.  He first served as a teacher and counselor at Hillcrest High School.  After receiving his Master of Education degree from M.U. in 1963, he was appointed Dean of Boys at Central High School.  Ron completed work on his doctorate at Tulsa University earning his Ed.D. in 1972.  He returned to Springfield and served R-12 in several positions and schools: Assistant to the Principal, Central High School; Principal, Pipkin Junior High; and Principal, Central High School.  Ron remained the Principal of Central until he retired in 1991.  He was described as a firm but fair leader by those with whom he worked.

Ron met and later married his wife, Carole in 1992.  Two years after his retirement, he was employed by the R-12 School District as its first "Review Officer".  He worked with students recommended for long term suspension from Springfield Schools. This "part time" job lasted over 20 years until he resigned in 2013.

Ron's life is a testimony to his strong belief in hard work and discipline.  He dedicated his life to young people and inspired them to maximize their abilities.  Ron was a well-recognized school administrator known for his straight-talking, no nonsense manner and acceptance of nothing but the best.  His commitment and leadership was rewarded as he witnessed many of his students become successful and productive members of society.  Ron displayed generosity, compassion, and selflessness for those in need.

Ron was active in the Boys & Girls Club serving as a Coach, Board Member, and President of the Board.  He enjoyed fitness, travel, and spectator sports (especially college football and basketball).  Ron was an avid Cardinal and Chiefs fan enjoying many games with family and friends. He was recognized as a master at securing prime tickets outside the arenas for "sold-out" games.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Ray and Greg.  He is survived by his wife, Carole; daughters, Julie and Jill; and granddaughter, Rachel.  Also surviving Ron are his brothers, Bob and wife, Rose and Reg and wife, Vickie; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family members, Dan McCool and wife, Donna, Kristin Walls and husband, Rusty; and four step-grandchildren, Owen Walls, Logan Walls, Madeline McCool and Connor McCool.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with Msgr. Thomas Reidy celebrant. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.