MSgt. (Ret) Ronald James Daugherty

MSgt. (Ret) Ronald James Daugherty was born on August 27, 1958, in Frankfurt Germany to Leonard Daugherty Jr. and Ingrid (Nollen) Daugherty. We were a military family and traveled to many places all over the United States and overseas. As his siblings traveled the world to new lands both foreign and domestic, Ron was known to his family as the protector. As the first-born son, it was his job to be the man of the house when his dad was deployed or in the field training. He joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating Richland High School in October 1976 and traveled the world with his military service until his retirement in October 1994. Ron served the U.S. Air Force for a total of 18 years and retired as a Master Sergeant. Ron absolutely and emphatically loved his family. He enjoyed when his family would come and visit. He spent so much time, energy, and money to show the family a good time at different theme parks, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and the interesting sites to see where every he was living. Ron also loved to travel and see new sites, embrace unique cultures, and learn about different parts of the world. One of his favorite assignments was in Kunsan Air Base, Korea. He was taking martial arts classes from Master Oh. In the short time he was in Korea, he not only learned multiple martial arts disciplines, Ron also earned the rank of Black Belt. He often said that taking martial arts classes was one of the most difficult accomplishments and also one of the most calming activities he has ever done. He would say that some martial arts disciplines are about controlling your emotions and your body and using your mind before you use your muscles. In 2000, Ron began his collegiate degree program to become a clinical psychologist. Ron received his under-graduate degree University of Central Florida, Bachelor of Science, Psychology 2001. Noted he graduated with Summa Cum Laude. Master of Science- Psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology, 2007. Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Florida Institute of Technology, 2009. The Department of Veterans Affairs hit the lottery when they accepted Ron to his internship at the Bay Pines VA Hospital. He was a win for the staff and faculty and more importantly, a HUGE win for the Veterans he served. Multiple patients said, “Dr. D. saved my life” and that is what gave him joy, helping hard-luck Veteran cases to recovery. His special talent was his gift to help Veterans with their PTSD issues. He was always given the most difficult cases and tackled those “hard-luck cases” with the most unorthodox methods to reach Veterans and they knew he was a man of his word. He gave them sage advice and made them stick to his recovery plans. Ron was a great dancer and loved to go to the local American Legion and VFW to dance with his wife, Renate Lawhead. Ron also enjoyed going on the farm with his Brother’s and hunting on his farmlands and fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks. Ron didn’t enjoy the actual killing part of hunting but spending quality time with his Brother’s and showing off his hunting skills. Ron loved the competition aspect of hunting or fishing with his brother’s. He had the best facial expression when he was beat out his younger brother’s and proved once again, why he was the BIG DAWG, this was priceless. They say that a flame that burns twice as hot, burns half as long and Ron truly lived by that mantra. He loved to entertain, have fun with family and friends to live life to its fullest. He would want for everyone to celebrate his life and not mourn his passing. Continue to tell stories of Ron and keep his memory alive with his sarcasm, wit, and deadpan delivery when he knew he was right. He would want you to have a smile on your face with you have warm thoughts of him. Ron was preceded in death by his father. On the evening of Monday, June 26, 2023, with family by his side, Ron passed away having attained the age of sixty-four. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Renate Lawhead of Seminole, FL; three daughters: Amanda Lawhead – Bongiorno, Renate Lilly, and Megan Lawhead all of Seminole, FL; four granddaughters: Kalysta, Makenna, Lillia, and Braven; his mother, Ingrid Daugherty (Dana Darling) of Brumley, MO; sisters and brothers: Patricia Daugherty – Struemph (James) of St. Elizabeth, MO, Jacqueline Daughtery of Richland, MO, Dwyne Daugherty (Julie) of Richland, MO, Sandria Daugherty - Rogers (Ron) of Brumley MO, Rebecca Daugherty – Ward (Derek) of Columbia, MO, Carmen Sue Daugherty (Kevin Harris) of Richland, MO, and Leonard Daugherty III (Kristie) of Brumley, MO; several nieces, nephews; as well as a host of other relatives, colleagues, and many friends. Funeral Mass was held at 8:00 A.M., Saturday, July 1, 2023, in St. Jude Catholic Church with Father Michael Murphy officiating. Karen Glawson played the organ. Burial with Full Military Honors was held in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland, MO. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Because of Ron’s love of reading and expanding a person’s mind, in lieu of flowers, the Daugherty family has requested for Memorial Contributions to be made to the Pulaski County Library District in memory of MSgt. (Ret) Ronald James Daugherty and may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

MSgt. (Ret) Ronald James Daugherty

August 27, 1958 - June 26, 2023