Ronald Phillip Nelson, 84, of Richmond, died Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at his residence.

Ronald was born on March 14, 1941, in Richmond, the son of John Marvin and Winona Mildred (McGinnis) Nelson.  He was first united in marriage to Virginia Dare Rowell in 1966 to this union his two children were born.  They later divorced.  He was then united in marriage to Josephine Ann "JoAnn" Wheeler, she preceded him in death on April 12, 2023.

Additional survivors include: one son, Eric Vincent Killbreath; two daughters, Charis Osborne and Nicole Nelson; three grandchildren: Collette (Preston) Green, Aaron Lancaster, and Jacob Lancaster; four great-grandchildren: Clark Green, Elliott Green, Arthur Green, and Phoebe Green; one step-grandson, Josh Osborne; stepsons, Scott (Lori) Johnson and Steve (Jessica) Johnson, Darrell Schauf and Mikecal Schauf; four stepdaughters, Guylene Ferrin, Angie (Mike) Ladd, Holly Johnson, and Danna Johnson; 14 step-grandchildren; 15 step-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Jim Nelson, Steve Nelson, and J.M. (Carol) Nelson; and two sisters, Nadine Horn and Ramona (Jari) Saavalainen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, JoAnn; three brothers, George, Burt, and Paul; one sister, Deanna Nelson; and one step-grandson, Caleb Osborne; step-son Clifford Schauf and step-daughter, Carol Schaul Helms.

Phil was reared and educated in the area of his birth, graduating from Richmond High School in 1958. After high school, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country from 1962 to 1965. Over the years, he held various jobs, including working for Tasty Bread, a vending company, and later as a truck driver for a waste management company in Lexington.

Phil enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, going to garage sales and antiquing. He was an avid football fan and a devoted supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Henreitta Baptist Church.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the Chapel at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.  Please remember to share your memories of Ron with the family by visiting, www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.