It is with deep sorrow the Ranum family announces the passing of Donald Leroy Ranum of Ozark, Missouri, at the age 86 on Friday, April 12.
Don leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Sharon Kay Ranum, and son Donald Mark Ranum both of Ozark; along with his sisters Lois Marrie, and Doris Jane Erwin.
Don was born on Jan. 26, 1938, in the Mount Horeb-area of Wisconsin, to Rupert McKay and Violet Daisy Ranum. Don was the sibling of five other brothers and sisters: Iris Wanetta, James Rupert, Lois Marrie, Doris Jane, and RobertRay.
After graduation, Don was called to active duty by the United States Military in 1956. This is where he proudly served in the United States Air Force and the 8th Air Force, 42nd Bomber Wing, at Loring Air Force Base in Maine.
After his time in the Air Force, Don came back to the Eldon area where he enrolled at the University of Missouri Columbia. He continued civil service with the Jefferson City, State of Missouri Highway Planning, where he worked in field research and drafting.
Don’s professional career was in retail store management. He owned his own grocery store in Eldon, Missouri, before going to work in retail management for the Mattingly’s Corporation, managing stores in Butler, Nevada, Eldorado Springs, and Lee’s Summit, all in Missouri. Walmart Corporation brought him to the Springfield, Missouri area in 1984, and this is where he stayed until his retirement in 1999.
Graveside will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Informal visitation will be Monday, April 22, 2024, after 2:00 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 28566, St. Louis, Missouri 63146.