Ronnie Lee Phroper, 75, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026 in St. Joseph.
He was born March 24, 1951 in St. Joseph, son of Maxine and Finest Phroper. Ronnie attended Benton High School. In 1969, Ronnie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. During his years of service, he earned a number of medals and ribbons. On January 8, 1971, he married Mary Rhoads in St. Joseph. Ronnie was a hard worker, he worked for Seitz foods and for many years working as a Carpenter with Herner Construction and with his family at Phropers Construction. He was a member of the Carpenters Union, Local 579.
During his youth, Ronnie was an avid swimmer and diver competing in many meets at Hyde Park. As his children grew up he dedicated many years coaching baseball and basketball. Ronnie also loved to be outdoors, going hunting and fishing and always was willing to help others in need. Ronnie loved and cherished his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the time spent with his family. Ronnie was a man of faith and on March 9, 1980 he professed his faith and was baptized. Ronnie and Mary served over 30 years at the Valley Food Kitchen and were members of Faith United Baptist Church.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, son, Shawn Phroper, brothers, Donnie and Monty Dale Phroper, and sister, Trudy Phroper.
Survivors include wife, Mary Phroper of the home, daughter, Rhonda Phroper of St. Joseph, siblings Juanita Roberts, Jackie (Rick) Winder, Barb (Jack) Ellis, John (Donna) Phroper, Brenda Phroper, Tracy Phroper, and Stacy (Scott) Bertelsen, grandchildren, Ronnie, Darrin, Charity (Paul), great-grandchildren, Adabelle, Annalise, Kayden, and Ja'Kobi and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Rupp Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday. The Interment with Military Honors will be at the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Easton, Missouri. Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society.
