Ronald Lee Haggerty, 85, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, at Garden View Care Center in Chesterfield, Missouri. Born on June 9, 1941, in West Virginia, Ron lived a life defined by dedication to family, hard work, friendship, and an unwavering commitment to the values he held dear.

Ron will be reunited in eternity with the love of his life, Mary Ellen (Arnett) Haggerty; his parents, Harold Haggerty and Mildred (Jones) Haggerty; his siblings, Norma Coleen Haggerty, Madonna Snider (Albert), William D. Haggerty (Beverly), and Kathy Greene; and his faithful cat, Oliver.

He is survived by his sons, Ronald (Emily Wheeler) Haggerty III and Robert (Claire) Haggerty; grandchildren Robert Chandler Haggerty, Ronald Brogan Haggerty, Anthony Christopher Lang, Hayden Haggerty and his fiancée Julie Golder, Lauren Haggerty and her fiancé Kameron McGinley, and Meagan Haggerty; sisters Sharon Knappins and Judith Haggerty; brother-in-law Rick Greene; his cherished cat, Diva; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Ron was many things throughout his life: a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, Scoutmaster, mentor, and loyal friend. But perhaps the role he cherished most was that of Papaw, a title that eventually became known well beyond his own family.

Those who knew Ron knew exactly where they stood with him. He was a straight shooter and the same dependable person day after day. His convictions never wavered, and whether you agreed with him or not, you always knew where he stood.

Growing up in West Virginia, Ron excelled in athletics. He played football and basketball at Monongah High School, where the football team had an impressive 35-2-1 record during his 4-year tenure with the team.  Though he often insisted he was a better basketball player than football player, his athletic talent earned recruitment from several major universities. Ultimately, he chose to stay close to home and accepted a football scholarship to West Virginia University, allowing him to continue helping support his family while pursuing his education.

That opportunity laid the foundation for a successful career that would bring him and his family to the St. Louis area. Ron spent his entire professional career with National Steel, where he served as Director of Safety.

As a Scoutmaster, Ron helped guide and mentor countless young people, leading by example and emphasizing responsibility, self-reliance, and character. The lessons he shared extended far beyond scouting and left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to learn from him.

In his forties, Ron discovered golf, and, true to his nature, he approached it with complete dedication. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion. Whether he was building clubs in the basement, hanging out at the driving range, or talking golf with friends and strangers alike, the game brought him countless hours of enjoyment and many of the closest friendships of his life.

As his family grew and grandchildren entered his life, he found what would become his greatest joy. Known lovingly as Papaw, he delighted in traveling with his family, celebrating their accomplishments, and making sure his grandchildren felt loved, supported, and thoroughly spoiled. Few things brought him more happiness than gathering with family and watching the next generation grow.

Ron also had a lifelong admiration for John Wayne. He appreciated not only the westerns but the values they represented: loyalty, courage, self-reliance, and doing what was right. In many ways, Ron lived by those same principles. During retirement, he could often be found settled comfortably in his recliner watching a western, enjoying the stories of the American West that he never seemed to tire of. Those who knew him well could easily picture him there, content, steadfast, and unapologetically himself.

Ron's life was marked by loyalty, perseverance, honesty, and devotion to family. He lived with quiet strength, spoke plainly, worked hard, and loved deeply. He leaves behind a legacy of friendship, laughter, and unwavering commitment to those he cared about. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Schrader Funeral Home, 14960 Manchester Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011, on Tuesday, September 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Massas Creek Companion Animals , a cause that reflects Ron's love for animals.

"True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done."