Ronald “Ronnie” Lee Wakefield
Ronald “Ronnie” Lee Wakefield was born on April 9th, 1948, at home in Ellington, MO to Carter and Ollie (Buxton) Wakefield. He departed this life at his home surrounded by his loved ones on January 2nd, 2023. He was 74 years old. Ronnie was a member of the Ellington United Methodist Church.
On June 8th, 1968, he married his High School sweetheart, Sandra Hampton. During their 54 years of marriage, they welcomed two children: a son and a daughter. They were later blessed with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
As a young boy, he started working for his dad in their family-owned body shop. His love for the car business continued as he spent most of his life rebuilding and selling vehicles. Being the civic minded person that he was, one of his proudest accomplishments was serving the community of Ellington for a total of 25 years as Mayor. He served as a member of the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission and obtained several grants for the city of Ellington. Once semi-retired, he managed the Ellington Senior Housing for a total of 15 years.
Ronnie was a caretaker and it showed through the love he portrayed for his wife, kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Some of his happiest times included summers spent camping and boat riding at Current River with his family and friends. Many miles on his truck were devoted to picking up and dropping off grandkids and taking them wherever they needed to go. His grandkids fondly remember constantly being reminded to “think” before he would send them on their way.
In later years, he found a new joy in raising angus cattle. He could often be found at Snow Holler at the top of the hill counting cows and taking in the view.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, William Carter Wakefield, his mother, Ollie Wakefield, one granddaughter, Chelsea Conway, two brothers, William Carter Wakefield II and Richard Wakefield, and one sister, Roberta Hedrick.
Ronnie was survived by his wife, Sandra Wakefield, his son, Troy Wakefield, his daughter, Julli Morris (George), five grandchildren, Kelli Brewer (Austin), Jaycen Wakefield, Gavin Morris, Nathan Wakefield, and Sarah Wakefield, five great-grandsons, Carter Baker, Grant Baker, Nolan Brewer, Lawson Brewer and Jude Wakefield, one brother, Raymond Wakefield (June), and one sister, Mary Lou Becker (Don). Ronnie is also survived by many other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing.
There will be a Graveside Service held on Friday, January 6th, 2023, 11 AM at Morris Cemetery
Minister: Pastor Doug Massie
Pallbearers: Nate Wakefield, Jayce Wakefield, Gavin Morris, Austin Brewer, George Morris, Andrew Hampton and Rick Buxton
Honorary Pallbearers: Carter Baker, Grant Baker, Nolan Brewer, Lawson Brewer and Jude Wakefield
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Casa Guadalupe Shelter, 180 Co. Rd. 700, Ellington, MO 63638
Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Home, Ellington, MO
