John Ronald "Ron" Gamble

John R. (Ron) Gamble, 89, of Rich Hill, Missouri, passed away October 29, 2022, at Medicalodge of Butler, Missouri.

Ron was born January 20, 1933, in Wichita, Kansas, to Kenneth L. and Marjorie M. Gamble, the eldest of four children. Ron spent his growing up years in Wichita, Salina, and Concordia, Kansas. After graduating from Wichita High School East in 1951, Ron had his leg amputated due to a childhood injury. A year later he attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa (1952-53). In the summer of 1953, Ron underwent additional medical procedures. He met his future wife, Virginia Elizabeth (Beth) Gamble, in the summer of 1954 in Wichita. They were married June 3, 1956, in Lamoni.

Over their nearly 57 years of marriage, Ron and Beth lived in Spokane, Washington; Wichita, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Buckner, Missouri, and Independence, Missouri. Beth preceded her husband in death in 2013. Ron's career was spent in sales, "primarily as a hearing aid consultant for 39 years. He owned and operated Independence Hearing Aid Service, which later became Professional Hearing Aid Service. Ron retired in August 2004.

Ron was baptized at 10 years of age in the Smoky Hill River near Salina, Kansas, as a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints. He was ordained a priest in Spokane, Washington, in 1957 and an elder in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1968. He was a member of various Restoration branches, including the South Crysler Restoration Branch in Independence, Missouri, for over 25 years until his move from the area two years ago. The Lord gave Ron the gift of leadership by which he served over the years as Presiding Elder of various congregations and branches. He and his wife served a term as Young Adult Leaders for Kansas City Stake. He also organized and directed a number of church reunions and retreats. In more recent years, Ron served on the Elders Council for South Crysler. Other community service included serving as PTA President of Nashua Elementary while his children attended grade school there.

Ron was also gifted with music. He developed a wonderful tenor voice through voice lessons in high school and was involved in various school music groups. He also performed solo work both at church and in the community. In 1965, Ron participated as a member of the Auditorium Chorale under the direction of Frank Hunter. He regularly served in his congregational life as a soloist and member of church choirs. He passed on his love of vocal music to his children and enjoyed many years of performing with his wife.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beth; parents, Kenneth Gamble and Marjorie (Gamble) Whiting; his brother Larry Gamble, a son Mark Gamble; a grandson Brian Gamble; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Gamble. He leaves behind two siblings, Don (Brenda) Gamble of Independence, Missouri, and Mary Beth (Ernie) Romine of Ponca City, Oklahoma; his two daughters, Michele Thomas and husband Tim of Rich Hill, Missouri, and Pam Burford and husband Dwight of Wichita, Kansas; sixteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Ron was a man of faith and courage who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. His desire was to share the gospel with others through preaching the word and by bearing his testimony so that they might come to know Jesus as their Savior and friend.

Visitation will be held at Speaks Suburban Chapel on Thursday, November 3rd from 5-7pm; Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 4th at 1pm at South Crysler Restoration Branch; 16101 E Salisbury Rd.; Independence, MO 64050. Graveside services will follow at Lobb Cemetery.