Ronnie Tyson

Ronnie Lee Tyson, 73, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at his home.

He was born on Aug. 4, 1945, in Doniphan, Missouri, to Selven and Marian Tyson, brother to Tom, Helen and Linda, all deceased.

He grew up in Doniphan, attended Doniphan High School and played both baseball and basketball. After graduating from Southeast Missouri State University with a BA in business, he worked as a plant manager/operations for various businesses.

In 1966, Ron married Doniphan native Sandra Odom. They would have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary Aug. 27. Ron and Sandy have three children, Stacey (Brandon), Travis (Meghan) and Ali ("T" David); and five grandchildren, Peyton, Tyson, Cade, Alex and Kalayla.

Ron served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971 as a tanker in the 1st Infantry Division, earned sergeant rankings and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Ron passed peacefully at home following a six-year battle with multiple cancers.

Ron loved spending time with family; they were everything to him. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening and a cold beer while listening to baseball.

Burial services, with military honors, lead by Pastor Jerry Moore, will be held starting at 10 a.m. July 8 at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

A reception will be held immediately after at the Tyson home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Veterans of Foreign Wars.