Ronald Turney Stitt

Ron Turney Stitt of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 25 at the age of 70. He was born on September 30, 1955 to Henry and Elsie Stitt. After graduating from Washington High School in 1973 and later earning his master’s degree from the University of Kansas School of Engineering, Ron worked as an engineer for Boeing Military Aircraft in Wichita, a lead engineer for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, a senior engineer for Marley Cooling Tower in Olathe, and finished his career as an engineer/architect for the Public Works Department of the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas.

Ron married Karla Jo Glannon on September 11, 1987 and together they shared nearly 39 wonderful years. Ron is survived by his wife; daughters Taylor Grabmiller (John) and Andrea Zager (Zane); grandson Jack Ronald and granddaughter Elsie Jo; sister Marilyn Merrick (Ray); sisters-in-law Gerry Stitt (Fred), Kristi Morelock (Tom), Kim Glannon, Kelly Glannon, and brother-in-law Kevin Glannon (Melanie); nieces and nephews Rick Stitt, Loren Stitt, Craig Merrick (Jennifer), Christi Merrick, Chad Merrick (Cindy), Brett Hill (Zach), and Erin Sundquist (Max); great-nieces and great-nephews Riley, Brody, Colton, Mady, Abby, Jacob (Kenzi), and Noah; and great-great-niece Delilah.

Ron was an incredible friend, coworker, son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and great-great-uncle, and above all, he was an exceptional husband, dad, and grandpa to Jack and Elsie Jo. His wife, Karla, grew up dreaming of getting married, having children, building a home, and living a happy life with her family. Marrying Ron made all her dreams come true. Taylor grew up with her dad on the field coaching or in the front row cheering at every soccer game, and Andie saw him in the audience at every dance recital or beside her during father-daughter dances. His daughters were among the luckiest to have a hardworking, helpful, fun-loving dad who would do anything for them at any time.

Ron will be remembered for his love of Kansas Jayhawks basketball, where he held season tickets for 15 years. He enjoyed being involved with Piper Optimist and spending time with his many, many friends. His nieces and nephews will always remember how fun and playful Ron was, and how much they enjoyed watching sports with him.

Please join us for Ron’s final Tech Night on Thursday, May 7, at the Ag Hall of Fame Center in Bonner Springs, Kansas, from 4 to 8 p.m. Food will be served from 5 to 7 p.m., and an Apple Crown toast will take place at 6:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will follow on Friday, May 8, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tonganoxie, Kansas, at 9 a.m., with doors opening at 8 a.m. for visiting with family. All guests are encouraged to dress casually for both events and to share with the family how they knew Ron.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of KCK Animal Services or the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAN) in memory of Ronald Stitt.