Ronald Luther Estes

FARMINGTON – Ronald Luther Estes, of Farmington, entered eternal rest on July 24, 2024, at his home at the age of 92. He was born on October 3, 1931, in Flat River, Missouri to Luther and Irene (Meador) Estes.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce (Souden) Estes, his sons, Scott (Chris Kidd) Estes of Alabaster, AL and David Estes of Farmington, his grandchildren, Emily Estes, Dylan (Tyeler) Estes, and Katelyn (Cameron) Kelley, his great grandchildren, Blayk, Serenity, Titus, Hayden, Malaki, Dalton, Trevor, Tobias, Luther, Quinton, and Joyce, his brother, Paul (Shirley) Estes of Farmington, his niece, Carol (Kenneth) Coulter of Dallas, TX,  his former daughter-in-law, Lorri Stocum, along with many friends.

Ronald proudly served in the Navy during the Korean War. He retired after 30 years at St. Louis Community College where he worked as an English professor. He also taught at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, the University of Missouri in Columbia and Flat River Junior College. He dedicated his life to his students and their education. He was a scholar and an avid reader. He was a civil rights activist and a champion of the underprivileged. Ronald will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 12:00 noon at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), 906 Olive Street, Suite 1130, St Louis, MO 63101 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38105. Share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.