Dr. Ronald Dale Phelps

Dr. Ronald Dale Phelps, 86, ended his earthly life’s journey at 11:58 a.m., Sunday, October 24, 2021, at home with his wife, Shirley, and daughters, Cheree and Kim present.

Ron was born May 4, 1935, in Independence, Mo., to Lester and Alice Martens Phelps.  He was married to Shirley Hathaway on April 15, 1978, in Hannibal, Mo. She survives.

Other survivors include his children, Cheree Bremmer (Dennis), Palmyra; David Phelps (Cheryl), Independence; Scott Phelps (Jackie), Winfield, Mo.; and Kim Muzinski (Scott), Arlington, Va.; seven grandchildren, Courtney Bremmer Nutter (Dennis), Flagler Beach, Fla.; Lindsey Bremmer Jones, Quincy, Ill.; Karen Phelps Bradfield (Pete), Olathe, Kan.; Brandon Phelps (Sarah), Moscow Mills, Mo.; Bradley Phelps, Independence; Brittany Phelps Robertson (Scott), Ferguson, Mo.; and Sam Muzinski, Arlington, Va.; and six great-grandchildren Jarrett, Gabby, Emma, Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Morgan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bob and Ray Phelps; sisters, Verla Bowie, Joann Sanders and Lois Best; nephew, Darrell Bowie; and first wife, Mary V. Foster.

Ron graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College in 1958 and practiced as a chiropractic physician in Springfield, Mo.; and Palmyra, for over 57 years. 

He was a man of many passions who loved woodworking and computers, boating at Table Rock Lake, traveling, and flying his own plane. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Kansas City Chiefs football, and, of course, Mizzou Tigers football.

Ron served his country by joining the Naval Air Reserves. 

His family, friends, and patients will remember him for the respect, understanding and wisdom with which he shared with others. His great love of life and dignified spirit will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Ron’s greatest passion was time spent with his family and especially times when they would come to visit him and Shirley at their home. There were many amazing family memories created in these moments.

Ron served on the American Chiropractic Association Council, the Missouri State Chiropractic Association Board of Directors, Missouri State Chiropractic Association, District V & District VII member, the Greene County Chiropractic Society and the Parker Chiropractic Research Foundation and held chiropractic licenses in Missouri, California and New Mexico.

Ron was also the president, and co-founder of Concept 21- Round House Manufacturing Company from 1971 to 1977.

He was a member of Christ Church Unity of Springfield, Mo. He served as a member of the board, taught classes and wrote articles for the church.

The celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 29, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra. Pastor Marty Smyser will officiate.

Friends and family are invited to Ron’s visitation that will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 28, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Phelps, Bradley Phelps, Pete Bradfield, Dennis Nutter, Sam Muzinski, Jarrett Griesbaum and Scott Robertson.

Memorials may be made to Cuddle Cat Rescue or Northeast Missouri Humane Society (NEMO).

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute viewed at www.lewisbrothersfuneralchapel.com.