Ronald Manion

Ronald “Ron” N. Manion, 81, passed away on July 12, 2026, in Lenexa, Kansas. Born on December 26, 1944, in Pueblo, Colorado, he will be remembered as a deeply kind man whose quiet, steady love enriched the lives of his family and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

In 1991, Ron married Barbara Sue Waxman, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted until her passing in 2017. Their life together was filled with happiness, companionship, and adventure. They created a blended family built not simply through marriage, but through genuine love, acceptance, and enduring devotion.

Ron was the father of Ronna Manion and Wes (Erin) Manion and a loving stepfather to Barbara’s daughters, Debby Bratman and Nancy Ahlrichs. Although Debby and Nancy were adults when Ron and Barbara married, he welcomed them and their families wholeheartedly.

His family grew to include granddaughters Addison, Kira (Gino) Lech, and Bailey Quinlan; great-grandchildren Briggs, Luci, Lilli, and Jimi; and great-great-granddaughter Natalie.

For many years, Ron worked at Hen House in Prairie Village, where he became a familiar and dependable part of the neighborhood. Customers and coworkers came to know his friendly nature, and he genuinely enjoyed connecting with the people he saw each day. Even when words did not always come easily, his warmth and sincerity did.

Two things held an especially important place in Ron’s heart: his family and the Kansas Jayhawks. KU basketball was more than a pastime; it was a passion that brought him joy year after year. He took great pride in seeing family and friends wear KU gear and cheer for his team. For those closest to Ron, “I love you” was often followed by “Rock Chalk,” a beloved KU cheer that became part of the family’s language of love.

Those who knew him best will remember his gentle nature, easygoing spirit, and willingness to go along with nearly any family trip. Although he never traveled by airplane, he became a wonderful road-trip companion, always game for whatever the family had planned. He was happy simply to be along for the ride and treasured the laughter, new experiences, and time together. His playful side often appeared when least expected, creating stories his family will continue laughing about for years to come.

Above all, Ron was a good man who loved his family deeply. He showed that love through patience, constancy, and simply being there. He loved Barbara exactly as she was and brought comfort and renewed joy to her life. In doing so, he became an irreplaceable part of the lives of those who loved her.

Although his family mourns his loss deeply, there is comfort in believing that Ron and Barbara are together once more. The love they shared remains present in the family they created and in the memories that will continue to be treasured.

A private service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at Mount Moriah Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local dog rescue organization of the donor’s choice in honor of Ron’s love for animals.

His family sends him off with the words that always carried both love and pride:

We Love You. Rock Chalk.