Richard A. Ransom
Richard A. “Rick” Ransom of Leasburg, Missouri was born on Jan. 11, 1957 in Ft. Polk, Louisiana to James L. and Imo Jeanette (Phillips) Ransom and passed away on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 at the age of 63 years, 10 months and 8 days.
As many military children, he had the opportunity to travel throughout the states and Europe. He lived in France and Germany and traveled throughout Europe, including Belgium, Luxemburg and Italy.
Rick was always ill, and frail, but he was a fighter when it came to protecting those he loved.
In 1970 when kidney transplants were still in the experimental stages, he received his first kidney. His father without hesitation donated one of his in the hopes it would prolong Rick’s life. To everyone’s amazement, he became the longest surviving kidney recipient in the nation. However, that kidney eventually failed and he received another kidney from an unknown donor.
Rick was well known for his quick wit, sense of humor and his generosity in helping those in need. His smile was infectious and if he thought something was funny, he could not contain his laughter.
Rick graduated from Junction City Senior High, in Junction City, Kansas in 1975.
He worked briefly for an RV company in Kansas, before moving to Leasburg, Missouri. Rick owned and operated Rick’s Market in Leasburg and Sullivan, Missouri for many years. He also worked off and on at “Ike’s Place.”
He loved being outdoors, camping, being in and on the river, whether he was swimming or canoeing. He loved dogs and had taken in many strays, as well as taking care of his own. He spent hours putting puzzles together. He loved spending time watching the news or football games with his little buddy Sebastian.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Imo Jeanette (Phillips) Ransom; and sister-in-law, Barbara Ransom.
He is survived by his father, James L. Ransom of Leasburg, Missouri; three brothers, James and wife Sonya Ransom of Vancouver, Washington, Raymond “Neal” Ransom of Cuba, Missouri and Roger Matthew Ransom of Leasburg, Missouri; one sister, Debra Jeanette Ransom of Leasburg, Missouri; best friend, Mark Hammock and his three children that called him Poppy - Sebastian, Destiny and Pepper, all of Leasburg, Missouri; three aunts, Gladys “Sally” Hartung of Leasburg, Missouri, Linda Bryan of Leasburg, Missouri and Joy Friedman of Bourbon, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Graveside service were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020 at the Crossroads Cemetery, Leasburg, Missouri with Dr. Lane Allen and Pastor Paul Dunn officiating.
Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri.