Ronald Larry Cain

Ron was born July 16, 1937, in Mexico, Missouri, to Ezra Earl and Gladys (Johnson) Cain. He grew up in Mexico, attending local schools and graduating from Mexico High School in 1955.

In 1960, Ron answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army. He was stationed in Greenland, where he proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1962, earning the Good Conduct Medal.

Not long after returning home, Ron married the love of his life, Sharon Modory, on June 21, 1963, in Mexico, Missouri. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, hard work, and devotion to family. Their greatest joys came in the form of their two sons, Larry and Steve, and later their beloved grandson, Christopher, and great-granddaughter, Lily.

Ron was no stranger to hard work. In his younger years, he ran the Derby Station on the Business Loop in Columbia. He later became a Snap-on sales rep, always enjoying a good conversation and a strong cup of coffee with customers and friends. In 1981, Ron fulfilled a dream by owning and operating the Columbia NAPA Auto Parts store, which he ran for nearly a decade. After retiring from business ownership, he brought his warm smile and friendly nature to Bass Pro Shops in Columbia, where he worked as a greeter — a job he truly loved because it allowed him to connect with people every day.

Ron had a deep passion for racing and spent many weekends cheering on his son and grandson at dirt tracks across Missouri. He loved the thrill of the sport, the roar of the engines, and the joy of seeing his family out on the track. Over the years, he attended the Daytona 500, the Indy 500, Supercross, and countless local races, always proudly supporting his family.

Above all else, Ron was a man of strong faith. He was a founding member of Friendship Baptist Church in Mexico, Missouri — a church that meant the world to him. He served in many roles over the years: chairman of the deacons, Sunday School Superintendent, and friend to everyone who walked through the doors. Ron didn’t just attend church — he lived out his faith daily, with kindness, humility, and a servant’s heart.

Ron’s life was built on faith, family, and integrity. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a supportive brother, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Sharon Cain of Columbia, MO; his two sons, Larry Cain of Hallsville, MO, and Steve Cain of Centralia, MO; his grandson, Christopher Cain and wife Hannah of Hallsville, MO; and his great-granddaughter, Lily Cain. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Ann Beasley of Mexico, Missouri, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Ezra and Gladys; his sister, Judith Cain; and his brother-in-law, Floyd Beasley.

A visitation to share stories and memories will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia.

A second visitation will be held Monday, August 18, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church in Mexico, MO. Committal prayers, military honors, and inurnment will take place later that afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Though his earthly journey has ended, Ron’s legacy of faith, love, and quiet strength will live on in all who were blessed to know him.