Ronald Hume Smith (Ronnie, Ron, Boogerman), son of Velma Walker Smith and Hume Smith, took the journey to Valhalla on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023.

Ron was born and raised in Mexico, MO. Upon graduating from Mexico, MO High School Ron was proudly accepted into the United States Marine Corps. Ron's service as a Marine during the Vietnam War was a point of great pride and service.

Upon returning home to Mexico, MO from the war, Ron and his wife Connie, brought two fiery, fun, beautiful, and intelligent women into the world: Rhonda Smith Pitzer and Rhena Smith Love. Rhonda and her husband, Scott Pitzer, of Wildwood, MO, and Rhena and her husband, Brian Love, of Kimberling City, MO, cherished the time on earth they had with Ron, especially around the pool or lake, with fried catfish and a cold beverage, on the back of a Harley Davidson, twisting on the dance floor, tractor pulling, holding down a bar stool/pool table, drag racing, or cheering on the many runners in the family as they raced. Three grandchildren added to the love in Ron's life: Madison Paige Pitzer (Rhonda and Scott), Connor Ronald Love and Sidney Sullivan Love (Rhena and Brian).

During Ron's life he was a professional truck driver for over 47 years and made many sacrifices to provide a wonderful life for Connie, Rhonda, and Rhena. Ron was a devoted son, a lover of all animals, a Mason, master mechanic, pool shark, mentor, loving neighbor, protector, prankster, and a man, who above all else, loved his family and especially loved his "girls."

During Ronnie's life, he and Connie enjoyed trips and visits with Connie's sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Bob Allen (Mexico, MO), and Connie's brother and sister-in-law, Larry, U.S. Marine Corps retired, and Monique Sullivan (Diamond Head, MS).

Ron loved his friends and loved to tell of the adventures he had with his "outlaw son-in-law's." Ron embodied Semper Fidelis, and had ultimate faith in family and country. Ron and his wife, Connie, were married for 59 years. Ron loved to kiss Connie's hand every morning and tell her how much he loved her, especially at the end of his journey. Ron was larger than life and loved dearly by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, at the VFW Post 3772, 2100 North Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mexico VFW.

Written by B. Love, outlaw-son-in-law