Ronald W. Woodland
Ronald W. Woodland, age 86, of Sullivan, MO, passed away on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at St. Louis University Hospital.
Ronald William Woodland was born on September 9, 1932 in St. Louis, MO, to the late Charles William and Thelma R. Woodland. He grew up and attended school in Maplewood Richmond Heights District and graduated in 1951. Ron played football, baseball, and track throughout school. Sports were a huge part of Ron’s life. At age 16, he even had the opportunity to try out for the Chicago Cubs, but decided to pursue his education. He attended the University of Missouri and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry. Ronald entered the United States Air Force in 1954 and was later honorably discharged. Ron was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Stevenson on February 12, 1955, in St. Louis. To their union, two daughters were born, Laura and Gail. Ron began working with the Missouri Department of Conservation and spent time in Neosho, before settling in Sullivan in 1967. Here is where they raised their family. Ron’s career was with the Missouri Department of Conservation, where he worked for 38 years. After being involved in well over 10, 000 wildfires, he retired in 1996.
Ron was an artist, both with pencil and with words. He wrote various church newsletters, articles for newspapers and the Missouri Department of Conservation, published two books of poetry, and was known for his jokes. Ron was also a master storyteller, as he would tell about his rich life experiences and world travels. While his sports got him all riled up, music and nature brought peace to his soul. Ron was a man who loved to laugh, celebrate, and spend time with his family, and he especially loved Christmas. As a man of strong faith, commitment, and honor, Ron leaves a legacy behind that many will hold in their heart.
Ronald is survived by two daughters, Laura Kampschroeder and husband, Richard, of Eureka, MO, and Gail Hardecke and husband, Tim, of Sullivan; one sister, Sue Cotner of Kirkwood, MO; four grandchildren, Griffen Hassard and wife, Michelle, of Gerald, MO, Keith Kampschroeder and wife, Brittany, of St. Louis, MO, Dana Kampschroeder of Washington, MO, and Emily Hardecke and fiancé, J.D. Johnson of Sullivan; two great grandchildren, Ty and Zoey Hassard; faithful dog, CoCo; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann (Stevenson) Woodland; his parents, Charles W. and Thelma R. (Hill) Woodland; and a brother, Everet Woodland.
A Remembrance Memorial Service was held 2:30 p.m., Friday, December 7, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sullivan, with Pastor Ron Koppelmann as the officiant. The Woodland family received friends from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Friday. Mr. Woodland’s remains were buried next to his wife, Shirley, in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Sullivan.
Memorial contributions, in memory of Ronald, may be given to the First Presbyterian Church in Sullivan or Sullivan HALO.
Friends may send online condolences to the family of Mr. Woodland at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan & Bourbon, MO.