Ronald Lee McElwee

Ronald Lee McElwee, age 75, of Cowgill, MO, was called home on Friday, June 16, 2017, at Ray County Memorial Hospital in Richmond.

He was born Oct. 2, 1942, in Polo, the son of Oliver and Flossie (Reeves) McElwee. Ron was a 1960 graduate of Polo High School. He was a member of the Cowgill Baptist Church, professing his faith in Jesus Christ early in life.

After graduation, he started work at the Ford Claycomo Plant, retiring with 30 years of service. On Jan. 18, 1965, he married Linda Russell of Knoxville, and they settled on a farm near Knoxville. In 1977, they moved to the Cowgill area, making their home in the farming community. Ron retired from Ford in 1990 to do what he loved most, farming. He will be remembered for his dry wit and funny stories, his love of his farm, and devoted love of his grandchildren, his old cars and tractors and enjoyment of history. 
Ron served on the Caldwell County Soil and Water District Board as Chairman for 20 years, the Caldwell County Foundation as Chairman, the Caldwell County Historical Society Board and VanBebber Cemetery Committee. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, J.W; along with several aunts and uncles. 
Linda survives of the home. He and Linda were blessed with three children who survive: Ronald Lee, Jr. of Cowgil, Raymond (Cindy) of Polo, and Rebecca (Mike) Hodges of St. Joseph. Additional survivors include two precious grandchildren, Megan Camille Hodges and Jacob Oliver McElwee; two aunts, Wilma Reeves of Stet and Mary Cain Reeves of Excelsior Springs; one niece, Kara McElwee Schrock (Jeff) and their four daughters; and many cousins and friends also survive. 
Funeral services will be held, Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at the Cowgill Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Monday, June 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Stith Funeral Home in Polo, and also one-hour prior to the service at the church. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Interment will follow the services at the Cowgill Cemetery, southeast of Cowgill. Serving the family and arrangements are under the direction of Stith Family Funeral Home in Polo. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com.

(paid obituary)

The Caldwell County News

101 South Davis
P.O. Box 218
Hamilton, MO 64644
Phone: 816-583-2116
news@mycaldwellcounty.com

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