Ron Bogue

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Ronald Ray Bogue, age 89, of Joplin, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 22nd.

My precious husband, Ron, was born in South Cherokee, Kansas, on February 22, 1937. He never quite forgave his mother for being born two miles inside Kansas instead of Oklahoma. He was the son of the late Orel E. Bogue and Pauline A. Heidiman Bogue.

Ron graduated from Miami High School in 1955, the same year he joined the Navy Reserves. He went on to attend Northeastern Oklahoma College and Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. He later began a master’s program in journalism at the University of Oklahoma. Boomer Sooner!

Ron’s writing career began with the publication of numerous poems. He worked for United Press International and spent 26 years with the Joplin Globe as a reporter and columnist. He also freelanced for various outdoor magazines. Among his honors were third place in a national competition for a boating article and a scholarship to the School of Journalism at the University of Minnesota.

Ron leaves behind his beloved family, including Linda Pearce Bogue, his love of 51 years; his children, Angela Street, Rhonda Patterson, Jason Bogue, and Bari Randolph; his grandchildren, Mariah Patterson, Joshua Patterson, Duncan Street, Amelia Osborne, Mason Bogue, Aaleah Randolph, Bailey Randolph, Jaxon Bogue, and Payton Randolph; and his great-grandchildren, Harper Wren Street and Able Osborne.

Ron’s love of the outdoors was something he lived every day. He fed the birds, fed the deer, cut firewood, and, most of all, fished. Ron was an expert at catching fish anytime, anywhere, and under just about any circumstances. He was known to some as “Mr. Moon,” a teller of ghost stories. He was a Boy Scout and later a Webelos Scout leader, as well as a winning Pinewood Derby builder. Ron did his best to pass his love of the outdoors on to his children.

His many interests included his family, the yo-yo, violin, harmonica, the game of darts, bowling, reading, OU Sooner football, woodworking, building birdhouses, and, as he would proudly proclaim, being a “wordsmith.”

Ron, you are profoundly missed. We miss your sense of humor, your kindness, dancing into the kitchen, your love for your children, and the genuine joy you found in your friends. We will miss your quiet practical jokes, your love of church, your unwavering love of Christ, and the moral convictions that guided your life.

Ron is perhaps best summed up by the words he lived by: “Give 100% at all times. Do what is right.”

Ron would also want his friends who made his life richer to be remembered: Pastor Russ Martins, Ted Moore, Marvin Shaffer, Wendell Redden, Tom Murray, his extended family at the Admiral Flea Market, and Pastor Ralph Erwin.

Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, storyteller, writer, outdoorsman, and man of faith. He lived his life with humor, conviction, curiosity, and love. His stories, his laughter, his kindness, and the wisdom he shared will remain with all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ron, you are deeply loved, profoundly missed, and forever in our hearts.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 28, 2026 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Dudman Springs Cemetery.