Ronnie Hale

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Ronald Gene “Ronnie” Hale age 71, passed away Monday February 15, 2021 at 4:10 pm at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO following an illness.

Ronnie was born on July 27, 1949 in Columbus, to Gordon Earl and Emma Lou (Wyrick) Hale.

Ronnie was a life-long resident of Columbus, except for a 7-year stint working in Kansas City.

Ronnie graduated from Columbus High School in 1967. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1969 – 1975. Ronnie worked two jobs as a farmer, and for Yellow Freight from 1972 until his retirement in 2003 as a dock worker and a local driver. 

Upon retirement the family moved back to Columbus where he was the Hunting guide for Kansas Outfitters Inc. and Claythorne Lodge of Columbus for several years. Ronnie was the first licensed hunting guide for the State of Kansas. One of his major highlights during his time as a guide, was guiding Roger Raglin in a segment of “Roger Raglin Outdoors” that was filmed during the deer season in the year that was titled the “Storm of the Century”. He also guided the then Governor of Georgia, Sonny Purdue. He guided VIP’s, Presidents, and CEO’s of Beretta, Browning, Bass Pro, Remington, Federal Ammunition, Tinks Scents, and Art Cousatte, the president of Welch State Bank on several Turkey hunts.

Ronnie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Columbus. He was also a member of the Teamsters Union for 30 years. He was a member of the American Legion, Columbus for over 50 years, and he was also a charter member of the Cherokee Bow Hunters Club.

While Ronnie was an avid hunter and fisherman and walked many miles looking for and collecting arrowheads, his family was always the center of his life. He loved spending time reminiscing and telling the great stories

of his time spent in the wildlife areas. In his younger years he enjoyed coaching and helping with his children’s sports. He was the coach of the Columbus Mini Wrestling team for several years, as well as coaching Little League and Babe Ruth baseball teams. In his spare time, he loved sketching and drawing.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Gordon Hale, and his grandparents, Lonzo and Edith Hale, and Amos and Marie Wyrick

Ronnie met the love of his life Patty Pierson in High School, and the two united in marriage on August 24, 1968 in Columbus, KS. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include one son, Eric Hale, Columbus; one daughter, Brea Kimbrough (husband, Marc), Webb City, MO; his mother, Emma Lou Hale-Case, Columbus; one sister, Teresa West (husband, Rob), Columbus; 6 grandchildren, Sadie Hale, Zoe Hale, Broc Newberry, Emily Newberry, Sierra Kimbrough, and Aubri Kimbrough; one great-grandaughter, Moralia White.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbus. Pastor Lindsey Clarke and Ron Johnson will officiate. Military rites will be conducted.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Columbus.

Due to weather and COVID restrictions, we will have a Celebration of life at the American Legion in Columbus at a date to be determined in March.