In Remembrance Of
Ron Nelson
Ronald Kyle Nelson entered this world on May 26, 1959 and departed it on his own terms on September 18, 2020. He was born in Herculaneum, Missouri, the son of Ray and Beverly Nelson. To his friends and family he was affectionately known as Pork Chops.
A life long resident of the Platte County area, Ron graduated from North Platte High School at Dearborn, Missouri in 1977, where he anchored the defensive line for the Panthers, earning Honorable Mention All-Conference honors as a nose tackle in his senior year. He went on to obtain his bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from Missouri Western State University and his Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Central Missouri. He devoted his professional career to working with disadvantaged youth as the Head of Residential Counseling at the Excelsior Springs Job Corp Center for more than 30 years.
Ron loved to have a good time. He staged epic parties, first at the Cracker Box Palace on Z Highway and later at the Crab Shack on Fourth Street in Platte City. If the Chiefs were playing, the game was on TV at the Shack and everyone was welcome. The party never started until Pork Chops arrived and it never ended until Pork Chops left. And he was always the last one to leave.
Ron loved fast cars. Hot Rods. Corvettes and Dusters. And of course, his beloved 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS. He destroyed more than a few of them, but he somehow miraculously survived each one to tell the tales that became part of his legend.
Ron loved music. Rock-N-Roll music. Hard Rock music. And the louder the better. When he entered any party his first words were usually "turn it up!" He was particularly fond of the the music of the Doors. He found a kindred spirit in Jim Morrison whose poetry somehow spoke to Ronnie in a special way.
Ron loved his family and his friends, especially his long time companion Kathy McKay who survives him. He is also survived by his mother Beverly, his brother Michael, his brother Danny and his wife Debbie, his brother Ricky, and his nephews Dustin Nelson, Hal Nelson, Dane Hubbs and Drew Hubbs. He was preceded in death by his father Ray.
Ron was a generous friend and brother to all who knew him. And he never met a stranger. If you were his friend, you were a friend for life. Our world is a lesser place without him in it. We pray that he has finally found relief from the burdens of life and that he will rest in peace forever. A celebration of Ron’s life is being planned. All his friends will be welcome to attend.
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36 comments
Natalie Thompson
You made my time at ESJCC amazing and you always put a smile on everyone’s face when you entered a building. You were the light of any room you walked in.
Mike (Mitch) Guyer
Peace out Brother
I will think of you often
Caroline Pauley
I don’t even know where to begin. It is so hard to wrap my heart around you being gone. We have known each other for more years than I can count. You were always like my little brother. We helped each other through some personal tough times. I can still feel your arm around my shoulders saying One day at a time Pauley one day at a time. You were a kind, loving , generous man. The world is a little darker without you in it. Peace out ✌️
Bernard J Fennell
Together we made ESJCC a far better place, and caught many fish in your farm pond.
R I P.
Cindy Hensley Hubbard
Ronnie, we’re all going to miss you. You were one of the good ones!!
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Dennis
Ron will be missed by his many friends.. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.
Kora Williams
Ron was a mentor of mine, and one of the most influential people I have ever known. He shined SO bright. He is well known for his peace signs✌ ✌ ; symbolizing peace, love, unity, and respect. His office at ESJCC was full of belongings gifted to him by past students. He had trinkets from 25+ years ago, and could tell you exactly who gave it to him and even share a little story about that individual. He had such a passion for PEOPLE! His legacy will love on & he will be deeply missed. Peace out, brother!
Jasmine Snitz
he was such a help to me when my family abandoned me at job corps.. he guided me to become better. I am sorry for your loss… WISHING you the biggest condolences and prayers. He truly made life’s better
Corbyn Reynolds
Danielle Mann- johnson
Sorry for your loss he was a great guy I knew him when he worked at Job corps.
Stacy (Dennis) Guesnier
This is an incredible loss for all that knew him. I hope he has found peace.
Angela Harbin
It was a pleasure to meet you and a pleasure to be first a counterpart and then a subordinate. You were one of the best friends and supervisors I have ever had. I loved singing with you and the gang it was a blast. I miss you so much Mr. Nelson R.I.P Ms Harbin
KIM (Crum) Hecker
Sorry for loss. Prayers for your family.
Brenda Hambrick
A sad sad day. I just learned of Ronnie’s passing. I’m so very very sorry for the families loss. I and all Ronnie’s friends will miss him for a long time to come.
Jan McCrackin
So sorry for your loss
Tina Buckler
I will always remember how you made me feel. To all of us who loved him, laughed with him I am sorry for our loss!
Michael Hall
I am very sorry for your loss. Ron was a larger than life personality who left his mark on all he met. He will be greatly missed. The North Platte community loves the Nelson family and hold you in our prayers.
Angela Harbin
I am going to to miss you Ron you have been a great help and friend to me I will try to continue your legacy at the Jobcorp center thanks for being there for me
Kris (Reisinger) ward
So sorry for your loss. He was definitely one of a kind. Prayers
Kris (Reisinger) Ward
So sorry for your loss. He was definitely one of a kind. Prayers
Melissa Clevenger
Ron was a very kind soul. He will be dearly missed. I’m so sorry for his families loss.
Linda Cathcart & Melissa Clevenger
Marge Stovall
So sorry to hear of his passing.
Marge
Silverwood Australian Shepherds
Brett Foster. Karen Foster
He always had a smile and he made you feel like you were his best friend. Everyone who knew him has a few stories to tell. There is a sign put on private property out in the woods many years ago that reads, “RON NELSON MEMORAL PARK” only a hand full of people know where that is. You will live forever in our hearts.
Stephanie (Blankenship) Wilcoxson
I will always remember Ronnie as a genuine friend and truly memorable man.
Debbie Nelson
May peace be in your heart Ronnie.
John Clevenger
Ron was a great friend and will be missed.
Curtis and Kraz Bottom
Curt and I have known Ron for most of his life. He was a wonderful, fun and generous person. We are so very sorry for all those left behind and are sending prayers. Rest in peace Ron. We will never forget you.
Rick Moore
Want to send condolences & prayers to Cathy & Ronnie’s Family. RIP “Pork Chops” 5150
Jerald Andrews
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Johnny Shultz
Very sorry to hear this, grew up with you, even played lots of wiffel ball and basketball in that old north platte gym. Loved seeing your post on FD and talking with you thru IM. I know you are in a better place, I will miss you
Brenda Evans
Your high-spiritedness set the tone with energy and laughter Pork Chop. I remember you this way…looking forward to another meeting with all that food you made!!!
Karen "Harmer" Belt
So sorry for your loss
Mike Livingston
So very sorry to hear about Ron. What a great guy! We definitely had many great times!!! Party on Ron!
Leah M Johnson
Ronnie was definitely one in a million. Keep flashing that peace sign, brother.
Roger H Whitfield
RIP my dear cousin!
Dan and Debbie Nelson
We love you and will miss you more than you will ever know. Our lives are irrevocably changed forever. Rest In Peace my brother.