Obituary

Ronald (“Cowboy Ron”) Lee Labayen, 57, passed into glory on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at his home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Visitation will be held at Langsford Funeral Home, Lee’s Summit, Mo, on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, from 6pm until 8pm; Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 4pm, Pastor (and friend) Brad Pryor to officiate.

Ron was born February 7, 1963, in Chicago, IL, to Phyllis and Henry Labayen. He grew up in Paris, TN, and moved to Kansas City, MO, in 1989. Ron attended Henry County High School and Maple Woods Community College.

Ron was a member of Life Christian Center church in Lee’s Summit, Mo. Ron was also a member of the Country Gospel Music Association (CGMA) for many years. His enthusiasm for worshipping our Lord and Savior never dimmed.

Ron held many positions in transportation in the Kansas City area. He much preferred to work for himself and make use of his divine singing talent, ultimately settling into his true calling for entertaining people. With his amazing voice and silly sense of humor, he began ministering to the senior population in nursing homes, retirement facilities, and hospice care centers as Cowboy Ron Labayen. With his sweet Southern gentleman charm, love for making others smile, and a big heart for God’s “older children”, he was wildly adored by those he served. Ron brought joy to every visit with his corny jokes, hugs, prayers, and genuine love.

Ron’s passion for singing, songwriting, and entertaining was nearly as deep and wide as the passion and pride he carried for his family. Ron married his soulmate and sweetheart, Deanne, on April 29, 2001, and raised three sons with unparalleled, unconditional love and devotion. Just when he was certain his heart could not get fuller, he became “Papa” and spent the rest of his life wrapped around his little Angel’s finger.

Ron was an incredibly unique and special person. His drive and determination led him to accomplish anything he set his mind to, whether it be building something with his hands, solving complex problems, fixing something mechanical, or just being a good husband, father, Papa, and friend. Ron will be missed tremendously by everyone who knew and loved him.

Ron was preceded in death by his darling mama, Phyllis McBride, on April 15, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Deanne Labayen (Webb); three sons – Coty Webb, Vincent Bears, and Jaxon Labayen; his father, Henry Labayen (Lora); two sisters, Lynn Labayen and Jeannette Labayen; one niece, Mindy Shattuck, one nephew, Joey Shattuck; two grandchildren, Angelina Bears and AJ Webb; his beloved Chiweenie, Kuddles; his favorite grand-dog, Luna; and the only cat he ever liked, King Kitten.