Obituary

Ronald Edward Hargrave, of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away on December 19, 2025, leaving behind a life defined by adventure, generosity, and deep love for his family.

Born on February 26, 1959, in Clinton, Missouri, to James R. Hargrave and Shirley R. (Brooks) Hargrave, Ron came into the world ready to experience it fully. From childhood, he was known for his curiosity, courage, and sense of fun. As a Boy Scout, he earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout—an early sign of the leadership, determination, and integrity that would guide his life.

Ron embraced challenge and excitement at every stage. In high school, he played football and competed at the state level in wrestling. He later took up bull riding with his close friend Otis Nixdorf, served in the military where he flew helicopters, and spent his life chasing new horizons. Ron skydived, scuba dove, flew hot air balloons, rode motorcycles, and never hesitated to say yes to an adventure. He truly believed life was meant to be lived boldly.

After high school, Ron began a 25-year career with Ford Motor Company, where his strong work ethic and dedication carried him through to retirement. Ron, who never stopped exploring the world, later went on to work in Germany, Middle East and Asia. In there, his sincerity, kindness, enthusiasm, optimism and never-give-up spirit touched and inspired countless friends around him.

In 1979, Ron married Vicky Kibbe, and together they raised three sons—Joshua, Matthew, and Zechariah—who were the pride of his life. Ron loved telling anyone who would listen about their accomplishments and the men they had become.

In December of 2019, Ron married Haili Wang, beginning a new chapter filled with travel, partnership, and joy. Together, they returned from China to make their home, and Ron was incredibly proud of Haili’s determination, celebrating her achievement of earning her nursing degree and the compassion she brought to her work. When Haili’s son later joined them from China, Ron felt their family was truly complete.

Ron was a Master Mason, active in the Masonic Lodge, involved with the Shriners, and a member of a motorcycle group. He never met a stranger, offered help without hesitation, and made friends wherever he went. His travels took him to places many only dream of, but it was the people he met along the way who mattered most to him.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, James R. Hargrave, and by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Haili; his sons Joshua (Melissa) Hargrave, Matthew (Shannon) Hargrave, and Zechariah (Ashley) Hargrave, Yicheng Long; and his grandchildren Ruby, Nora, Cora, Malichi, Ezra, and Maximus. He is also survived by his mother, Shirley Terry; siblings Ronda Hargrave White, Denise Terry, Rodney Hargrave, and William Terry; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and one great-great-niece.

Ron lived a big, fearless, joy-filled life. He leaves behind stories worth telling, love that runs deep, and a reminder to live fully, laugh often, and never pass up the chance for adventure.

Memorial:

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:30PM

Eagles Lodge 3367

723 N 3rd St, Clinton MO 64735