Ronnie L. Roberts

Ronnie Lynn Roberts, 87, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri. Born on December 29, 1938, in Marquand, Missouri, to John Damron and Jessie Hardy Roberts, Ronnie lived a life defined by hard work, quiet dedication, and deep devotion to his family and faith.

He grew up in Sullivan, where he learned the values of community and perseverance. As a young man, Ronnie worked alongside his father, J.D., delivering movie reels to theaters across the region for Schmidt Films. He later spent several years farming on his uncle’s 1500-acre property, developing a lifelong respect for the land and the satisfaction of honest labor. In 1967, he began a 24-year career with Chrysler Corporation before transitioning to electrical work with Jim Manion. He took great pride in the homes he and his brothers-in-law built together for their families, creating lasting symbols of their shared commitment and love.

On June 2, 1956, Ronnie married Carolyn Jones, the love of his life. Together they raised four children: Kathleen, Jonathon, Kimberly, and Ronald “Richy.” He cherished taking his children fishing in their younger years and remained a source of warmth and humor throughout his life. In his later years, he delivered medications for Strauser Drug, where his ready smile, pocket full of candy, and kind conversations brought comfort to many. A devout Christian, Ronnie served as a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church in Bourbon and was a longtime member of New Testament Baptist Church in Sullivan, living his faith through quiet service and steadfast support of his church family.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; their children Jonathon Roberts and Kathleen Roberts; a grandson, Curtis Pinnell; his parents; and two brothers, Roy Mattox and infant brother J.D. Roberts Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Pinnell and husband Greg of Sullivan; his son, Ronald “Richy” Roberts and fiancée Tracy Branum of Sullivan; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren, with one on the way; his sister, Charlene Perschbacher of Bourbon; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.