Ronald "Ronnie" Lee Recker passed away on May 21, 2025. He was born on August 24, 1941, in Cape
Girardeau, Missouri.
Ronnie was a lifetime resident of Portageville, MO. He graduated from Portageville High School,
attended St. Benedict's College in Atchison, Kansas, and earned his degree from Memphis State
University. Surviving of the home is the love of his life, Mary Alice Hennessey of St. Louis,
Missouri. Ronnie and Mary were united in marriage on December 18, 1976, at St. Eustachius Catholic
Church in Portageville, MO. Together, they raised three children: Katy (Eric) Beardslee of
Sikeston, MO; Gus Recker of St. Louis, MO; and Paul Allen Recker, who preceded him in death.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Dan Recker, and sister-in-law, Georgia Recker. Ronnie
is survived by his beloved sister, Rita Dressler of Springfield, MO. Ronnie looked forward to
reuniting with his son Paul and brother-in-law Dave in a better place. - one where, he hoped, the
fish are always biting.
Ronnie spent most of his days farming in the region and later operated a property preservation
business. His adventurous spirit took him to Brazil, where he served as a teacher and contributed
to an English-language newspaper. He had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed all types of
outdoor activities.
He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the Missouri National Guard.
Ronnie leaves behind three cherished grandchildren, Alexis (Drake) Schlosser of Kelso, MO, Alyson
(Parker) Clements, and Kenneth Keesee, both of Jackson, MO; and two great­ grandsons, Jordan
Schlosser of Kelso, MO, and Jackson Clements of Jackson, MO. He is also survived by many nieces and
nephews, of whom he was immensely proud.
Ronnie Lee Recker will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous heart, and his deep
roots in the land he called home.