Ronald Leader

Ronald “Ron” W. Leader, 65, Seneca, MO., passed into eternal rest at 9:09 PM, Sunday, February 13, 2011 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin after a sudden illness.    Ronald Wayne Leader was born October 10, 1945 in Joplin, MO the son of Charles Albert and Nell Pauline (Smith) Leader.  After graduating from Miami High School in 1963 Ron attended O.U. and graduated in 1968 Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree. Ron had received a patent for a Bermuda Spriger that he invented. He was the author of the book called “Spiritual Growth” and he owned and operated a cattle farm.  Ron was an Army Veteran and was of the Baptist Faith.  Ronald W. Leader married Grace Anne Mills June 23, 1984 in Seneca, MO and she survives.  Additional survivors include one son, Charles DeWitt Leader, Seneca; one daughter, Jennifer Elizabeth Leader, Joplin and a host of family and friends.  Ron was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Nancy Fortner.  Funeral services under the direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, February 18, 2011 at the Swars Prairie Baptist Church with Rev. Ted Wynn officiating. Burial will be in the Swars Prairie Baptist Cemetery with Charles Leader, Bill Back, Lyndon McKibben, Jerry Jumper, Robin Mills and Jack Mills serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Lee Lankford and Norman Kelly.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 PM, Thursday, February, 17, 2011 at the Swars Prairie Baptist Church south of Seneca.