We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Ron. After a long and courageous battle with Colon Cancer, Ron passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023 at the age of 63, surrounded by his family.
Beloved husband of Mary E. Banes (nee Saylor); loving son of Betty Banes Lewis and the late Harry E. Banes and stepson of the late John E. Lewis; adoring brother of Eddie (Karen Besgrove) Banes, Christy (Michael) Mattingly and Kimberly (the late Rick) Williams; dear grandson of the late J.W. and Eunice Banes and Forrest and Goldie Smith; dear nephew of Bud (Lisa) Smith and the late Odell (Leila) Phillips and Albert (Melba) Banes; dear great-nephew of the late Bud (surviving Hilda) Hunt; dear uncle of Tisha (Dave) Lord, Becky (Wes) McDowell, Jaimee (Kalan Hovis) Banes, Abigail (Matt) Smith, Carol-Ann (Joseph) Simpson, Kayla Saylor and the late Justin Koppeis. Our dearest brother-in-law, great-uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Ron worked as a Service Technician/Installer for Coca-Cola for 29 years, and served as a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
For many years, Ron was a season ticket holder for the St. Louis Blues Hockey Team. He enjoyed watching hockey and was thrilled when the Blues finally won the Stanley Cup in 2019.
Always passionate about driving, Ron loved classic cars, go-karts, snowmobiles and various forms of auto racing. He enjoyed helping his brother Eddie build go-karts and drag cars to compete at local racetracks.
A devoted animal lover, Ron always enjoyed having pets in his life including four rescued greyhounds and a precious whippet named Sophie.
With an endless sense of humor, Ron was smart, quick-witted, and always had a clever comment or funny story at any occasion.
Memorial visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. St. Louis, Mo.63123 on Saturday, August 19 from 10:30 am. until Memorial Service time at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers contributions to a Cancer or Animal charity of your choice is appreciated.
Such a beautiful tribute! My condolences to all the family and especially to my niece Mary. I’m thinking of you.
Gone too soon! Your cheeky humor, glowing smile, and easy-goingness will be missed at all future family get-togethers. Love you very much Uncle Ron! 🫶🏽🩵
We had a lot of great times over the years at Coca-Cola. It was always fun to have a seat at the Ron and Joe Show. You will be missed.
We really lucked out when we moved to this neighborhood 16 years ago. Sharing a fence with Ron has led to many funny, serious and long conversations wherein we solved most of the worlds problems. Ron remains the only male outside of our family who our dog would allow to pet him. Dogs are smart like that. We will miss Ron dearly and always grateful to have been blessed with him as our neighbor.
I shared blues season tickets with Ron for the 84-85 season. This guy was a great friend. I am so deeply saddened by his passing. I am saddened for Mary because I know how much they meant to each other. My heart is so broken that I can’t express it in words. This man meant the world to me. I have so many memories of the time we spent together at hockey games and through high school.
Ron & I met at Coke.. finding a connection through cars & motorsports.. each of us Ford Fanatics. We enjoyed a few car shows & races together. I left the brand for awhile, back into another Mustang now. Ron would be proud of that. He was loyal to so many things. He was very meticulous with his collection of cars, his homes, and also his work. He was a fearless steward at Coke.. well respected by everyone.
When I moved into their Arnold neighborhood.. he warned me of the celebration of fireworks there.. adding that he would put his lawn sprinkler on the roof of their house. As funny as Ron always was, he was serious about that.. it was necessary. The hills were so steep there, when it snowed, anyone was lucky to get home. I had to abandon my Coke van more than once.. though between my Subaru & Ron’s snowmobile, we conquered those snow covered hills with laughter. The kids would find Ron & Mary’s on Halloween, not for candy, but a can of Coke. Ron had a mutual affection with my dogs, and I admired Ron with all of his. He was proud of his cats too. Ron shared great respect & admiration with Mary.. both blessed to share this life with the other. I’ll always remember his voice & laugh.. Ron was a character to all of us.. in a great & unique way. Thanks Ron!
Grew up with him and Eddie. He will be missed.