Ronald Dennis Paulson was born in Thayer, Missouri, the son of Patrick and Eva (Tyree) Paulson on August 3, 1947, and departed this life on February 22, 2023, in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 75.
Ron graduated Thayer High School, class of 1965. He was a proud Thayer Bobcat, played football and baseball, which he earned a baseball scholarship, and graduated Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, with a Bachelor of Science in Education.
Soon after college he went to work for Frisco Railroad for 10 years, then BNSF for 25 years. After retirement, he enjoyed eating and sitting at the ‘Liar’s Table’ at the Country Cottage Cafe, solving the world’s problems, joking, and giving friends a hard time.
He loved animals, rescued many cats and dogs and helped to find them loving forever homes.
Ron enjoyed going to yard sales and auctions. He was the picker/buyer for his sister’s Antiques and Uncle Junk store.
Ron loved his small-town home and served as Mayor of Thayer with hopes of restoring Thayer as a proud and vibrant small town, as remembered over years ago.
Ron was baptized in the Church of Christ while in college. He was a caring and generous man with a big heart, always there to help. He is deeply missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by two sisters, Colleen Willison (who has since passed) and husband Virgil of Thayer, Missouri and Sheila Brunson, husband Paul of Lakeview, Arkansas; three nephews Shaun Willison (Rebecca), Shane Willison (Traci), Zak Brunson; one niece Amber Brunson; one great niece Mayce Allen; six great nephews Isaac Novy, Kale, Griffin, Jackson, Macen and Ryan Willison; three Aunts Treva Atkins (Steve), Rita Turner, and Barbara Poulson. He also leaves many cousins, relatives, and many, many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and infant nephew Shannon Willison.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.
