Ronald Bruce Daniel

A great soldier, Ronald Bruce Daniel, was called to his final formation on January 11, 2026, at 81 years of age. Ron was born on January 30, 1944, in Springfield, Missouri, and resided most of his life in Willard, Missouri.

Ron was a graduate of Hillcrest High School in the class of 1962. A veteran of the United States Army, he retired as a Master Seargent after serving faithfully for 27 years. During his time, Ron was drafted into the US Army to serve as an infantryman in Vietnam with C Co 1/8 Infantry 4 th Infantry Division. He later returned to serve in the Missouri Army National Guard in multiple units including the 142 nd Transportation Battalion, 3 rd Battalion 135 th Aviation, and ended his military career as an Operations NCO with the 835 th Core Support Battalion out of Jefferson City, Missouri. Ron was a decorated soldier earning a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He carried his patriotism for United States service members proudly and used his experiences actively in raising his children and with his many friendships.

Ron was a skilled, elite mason for nearly 60 years creating beautiful architecture with brick and stone across the southwest Missouri area. He provided employment for so many and his craftsmanship continued until his passing. He had a special bond with his mason “son”, Tyler Headley, who stayed faithfully beside Ron for 23 years. Tyler kept a watchful eye on Ron, especially during his later years, while Ron continued to keep a trowel in hand.

Ron loved hunting with his family and especially loved turkey seasons. He enjoyed preserving fans for all his hunting buddies and showing off the spurs and beards from every harvest. Ron also loved to drop a line in the lake or pond and enjoyed tending his garden over the summer months. A collector of coins, knives, and firearms, he meddled in anything manly but also was a softy when it came to live music or watching the Voice with his wife.

Ron is preceded in death by his mother, Velma Choate; brother Roscoe Choate Jr.; sister Phyllis Anderson; and sister Tina Choate. He is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Pamela Daniel; sons Bryan Daniel and Bruce Daniel; daughter Nicky Morrison; grandsons Brandon Daniel, Ryan Daniel, Dakota Vest, Camden Daniel, Jack Morrison, and Bruce “Benny” Morrison; and siblings Michael Choate, Connie Mock, Teresa Hale, Linda Burrus, Marilyn Denney, Kathy Choate, and Christopher Choate.

Interment graveside services with full military honors will be held at Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery on February 4, 2026, at 3:00pm, with a celebration of life to follow at the Oasis Inn and Convention Center beginning at 4:30pm.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the kindness and love shared of Ron’s legacy during this time. If anyone would like to share condolences or a memory of life with Ron, please do so at the link below.

https://courageouschurch.churchcenter.com/peple/forms/764244