Lathrop Sr., Ronald 1943-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.

By NewsPress Now

Ronald Edmond Lathrop, Sr. went home to be with Jesus Wednesday, July 3, 2024, surrounded by friends and family.

Ron Lathrop was born on Feb. 20, 1943, to parents Dale Edmund and Lillian Marie Lathrop, of St. Joseph, and had two sisters, Janice Lathrop and Marylin Brown.

Ron graduated from Central High School in 1961, and then in 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Doris Marie Steph. He then enlisted in the Marines, where he served in Vietnam and was then stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina, from 1966 to 1970, ending his service there with the rank of sergeant.

Returning to St. Joseph, Ron and Doris had two children, Ronald “Ronnie” Lathrop Jr. and Heather Chowning. Ron graduated from Missouri Western State College in 1971 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Programming. Working for Safeway and then Food Barn, Ron retired from the grocery business after 30 years of service and then served as a rural mail carrier for Easton, Missouri, for another 20 years.

Ron served in many capacities in several churches throughout his life in New Bern, North Carolina, and St. Joseph. He was a Sunday School teacher, deacon, church board member, choir member and even custodian. His passion as a Christian was serving others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Marylin Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Lathrop; son, Ronnie Lathrop (Jeff Vincent); daughter, Heather Chowning (Michael); sister, Janice Lathrop; and grandchildren, James and Emily Chowning; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Everyone who met Ron, loved him. With every dad joke you hear that makes you roll your eyes, with every hardy laugh you catch behind you while eating at Texas Roadhouse, with every Royals win you witness, and with every war movie you accidentally catch on TMC, you’ll remember Ron.

Farewell Services 1 p.m. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service.

The family suggests memorial contributions to One Hope, Inc., 600 SW 3rd St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060.

Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.