Ronald Strong

Dr. Ronald E. Strong, age 69 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Saturday, January 21, 2012, at his home. Ron was born October 26, 1942, in Kirksville, Mo., the son of Carroll E. Strong and E. Lanier Hardy White. He was married on August 28, 1965, in New Bloomfield, Mo., to Linda G. Robinson. Ron was a 1960 graduate of Kirksville High School and a 1963 graduate of Northeast Missouri State University. He graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1968 where he was a Fellow in the Dept. of Physiology and a member of the Sigma Sigma Phi and Psi Sigma Alpha Honor Fraternities. Ron was a Family Practice Physician in Jefferson City since 1969. From 1969 until 1972, he was with the Family Medical Center. From 1972 until 1996, Ron Strong and Thomas Hancock owned and operated Hancock-Strong Family Clinic. In 1996, when Jefferson City Medical Group was formed, Ron became a partner. Illness forced his retirement in 2011. He was a member, deacon, and senior ministry leader at Capital City Christian Church. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Jefferson City Country Club. Ron was a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Osteopathic Assn., the Missouri Osteopathic Assn., and was a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He served as Clinical Preceptor (Clinical Professor) in Family Medicine at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine from 2000 until 2008. He was affiliated with Charles E. Still Hospital where he served on several committees and was Chief of Staff from 1973 until 1974. He was also affiliated with St. Mary's Health Center serving on numerous committees. Ron received the 750 Club Award from the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1993. In 2000, he received a certificate of appreciation from the Missouri Assn. of Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon for 25 years of membership and in 2009, was recognized by the Missouri State Board of Registration of Healing Arts as an Exceptional Physician who had practiced medicine for 40 years. Ron mentored five to 10 medical students per year for more than 35 years from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University and the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He also welcomed numerous students from various universities and high schools to shadow him. Ron enjoyed golf, watching sports, mainly football, but most importantly, spending time with his family. Survivors include: his wife of 46 years, Linda Strong; two sons, Steven K. Strong and his wife Erin of Columbia, Mo. and Ronald E. Strong and his wife Caroline of Richmond Heights, Mo.; one daughter, Susan G. Gass and her husband Gary of Gladstone, Mo.; his mother, E. Lanier White of Kirksville, Mo.; one sister, Carol Lynch and her husband Douglas of Whitehouse, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, Sydney Strong of Columbia, Mo., Reilly Strong of Columbia, Mo., Griffin Strong of Columbia, Mo., Zachary Gass of Gladstone, Mo., Ashley Gass of Gladstone, Mo., Matthew Gass of Gladstone, Mo., Andrew Strong of Richmond Heights, Mo., Michael Strong of Richmond Heights, Mo., Thomas Strong of Richmond Heights, Mo. and Daniel Strong of Richmond Heights, Mo. He was preceded in death by his father, Carroll E. Strong; his step-father, Leslie White; his maternal grandparents, Dr. A.C. and Jassemine Hardy; and his paternal grandparents, Carroll and Clara Strong. Visitation will be at the Capital City Christian Church from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2012. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at the Capital City Christian Church. Graveside services and interment will be at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Capital City Christian Church or the American Brain Tumor Assn. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com