Ronald Eugene Silvey, 83, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 23, 2023, surrounded by his family.
He was born January 8, 1940 in St. Joseph to Walter and Hazel (Smith) Silvey. He grew up in St. Joseph and enlisted in the U.S. Navy as soon as he could, where he proudly served his country.
After living in California for a while, he returned to St. Joseph, where he married the love of his life, Nancy Irene Osborne, on May 5, 1966. Together they raised four beautiful girls before her passing on June 20, 2015.
He worked for Continental Can for many years, and after it closed, he was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for many years, retiring in 2000.
Ronald fully enjoyed retirement, traveling with Nancy and family, spending time with his grandchildren, and just relaxing after many years on his feet. He also loved reading, mostly Westerns and true-crime stories, and old-time country music, especially Merle Haggard.
While Ronald was the strongest man his daughters ever knew, he also had an ornery sense of humor, making everyone laugh at family gatherings with his wiggling ears and duck quacks.
He loved animals, and they returned that love.
Ronald was an amazing presence in his family’s lives and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Nancy; daughter, Jodie Ward; his parents; and siblings, Carl Silvey, Betty Estes, and Shirley Clary.
Survivors include his children, Ronna Clark (Andy), Melissa Richie (Patrick), and Christine Duncan (Scott); grandchildren, Ryann Summerford, Derek Summerford (Shawna), and Jessica Summerford (Jaime King), Hunter, Camden and Heaven Richie, Drake and Baylor Duncan; great-grandchildren, Aidan, Rylan, Shelby, and Scarlett; siblings, Bill Silvey, Bobby Silvey, Charlotte Saxton, and Ilene Webb; numerous other extended family members and friends.
Graveside Farewell Services and Inurnment 3:00 P.M. Friday, Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
