Ronald E. Daniel, 90, of Springfield, MO passed away May 29,2024.  He was born to Raymond E. & Maydelle Daniel in their home in Mt. Vernon, MO.

Family was always very important to Ron.   As a child he enjoyed growing up surrounded by his siblings, uncles, aunts and numerous cousins.  He especially enjoyed his time on the farm of his uncle Monroe Moody and aunt Mildred Moody in Stotts City, MO where he developed a lifelong love of fishing and hunting.

A graduate of Central High School in Springfield, MO he attended Southwest  Missouri State University (now Missouri State University).   There he met the love of his life, Barbara Abraham.  They were married at St. John's Episcopal Church in Springfield where they remained members until his death.

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corp with his cousin Wess (they both enlisted on the same day), he returned to the family owned trucking business where he worked in all capacities - long-haul truck driver, mechanic, sales and management where he was Vice-President of The Daniel Company of Springfield.  In 1982 the company earned the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies in the U.S. award.

His love of fishing and the outdoors was one of many things he shared with his children and grandchildren.  Ron would take all of his children (from an early age) fishing where he would spend more time baiting hooks and untangling line, than actually fishing.

Ron was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of going to Alaska.   Taking his two sons, Ron Jr. and Chris, the three embarked on a memorable adventure fishing for salmon and halibut.

"Papa Ron" as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, continued to share his love of the outdoors with them.  He introduced his grandchildren to fishing by taking them to a trout farm to insure a successful first experience.   As they grew older, he would take them on various fishing trips to Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, Bennett Springs and the White and Buffalo Rivers in Arkansas.   He taught them to bass fish, fly fish and to tie their own flies.

Another highlight of "Papa Ron's" was to take visiting grandchildren on rides in the semi-tractors around The Daniel Company truck yard and letting them blow the horn.  This was especially enjoyed by his grandsons.

Ron lived a long and full life.  He was quiet and a man of few words but was always willing to help and advise anyone who would ask him.

He is preceded in death by his father Raymond E. Daniel, his mother Maydelle Kirby Daniel, his sister Rayma Lee Burger and his brother Larry K. Daniel.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years Barbara Daniel, 4 children - Jana Anderson and husband Steve of Edmond, OK, Karen Daniel of Ozark, MO, Ronald E. Daniel, Jr. and wife Laura of Concord, CA and Christopher G. Daniel and wife Marcey of Lewisburg, PA as well as 6 grandchildren - Sloan Anderson, Chase Anderson, Fiona Daniel, Mandy Daniel, Margaret Daniel and Alan Daniel.  Additionally his sister-in-law Marilyn Daniel of Springfield, MO and cousins Wessley Daniel of Mt. Vernon, MO, Dan Daniel of Springfield, MO and Roger Daniel of Temple, TX as well as a nephew Ray Burger and nieces Kathy Burger (deceased), Leslie Keiser, Judy Burger and Nancy Dietrich.

Memorial services and Committal will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Springfield, MO on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with an informal reception to follow.  The family requests no flowers be sent.   If desired, donations could be made to St. John's Episcopal Church Foundation or the charity of your choice.