Ronald L. McCabe

Ronald L. McCabe, 77, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away September 28, 2024 at his home. Ronald was born February 2, 1947 to Earl McCabe and Virginia Ford McCabe of Overland Park, Kansas.

After graduating high school in 1965, he joined the United States Navy in 1966 and served aboard the DLG 29, USS Jouett- a guided missile frigate, from 1967-1969. While in the Navy, he spent over 8 months off the coast of Vietnam, later being awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

Once his service in the Navy was complete in 1969, he began work at Metroplan and later as an urban planner at Mid-America Regional Council..  He graduated with his Bachelors from Park College in Missouri and started working for the federal government at DCPA.  In 1978 Ron began working for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), managing many projects throughout his 37 year career, retiring in 2013 from his position as a Branch Chief.

Ronald cared about the communities in which he lived.  He started the first block association for the historical Hyde Park neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri. He also served as President of the Homeowners Association for Grand Caribbean East Condominiums and President of the HOA at Emerald Shores on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

An avid baseball player and fan, Ron spent most of his life playing and coaching baseball. He played Johnson Co 3&2, Ban Johnson Amateur Baseball, and played in a semi-pro league. Ron played in the Mens’ Senior League and won the World Series. He coached in the Ban Johnson League for 27 years.

Ron is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy (Gerding) McCabe. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Virginia McCabe.

There will be a Celebration of Life at 10am, Friday, October 25, 2024, at Westbrooke Church, 9777 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66212. Interment will take place on Thursday, October 24 2024, in Leavenworth National Cemetery with Military Funeral Honors.

Donations can be made to ALS Foundation 6405 Metcalf, Ste 205, Overland Park, KS 66202 or Paralyzed Veterans Association of America, PO Box 75821, Topeka, KS 66675 or Great Plains SPCA 5424 Antioch Dr, Merriam, Ks 66202

Interview:  Oral History      Westpointcoh.org   “Do It Right The First Time”

Condolences

  1. Phil Hays on October 9, 2024 at 7:46 pm

    I enjoyed knowing Ron in high school and professionally- his FEMA years and my Hazmat/ Chem, Bio, Rad, Nuke/Emergency Mgt positions. There is a picture of us talking at one of our reunions on the SMW web site.
    He was a good strong Viking, worthy of emulating. Blessings to his wife.



  2. Lance Brockman on October 10, 2024 at 6:25 am

    My condolences to all of Ron’s family. He was a favorite Viking at SMW and also a good friend at Overland Park Christian Church. We had some special times in those halcyon years. I am sure his memorial service will be filled with great stories and laughter in celebration of Ron McCabe. My very best.



  3. Charlie Burt on October 10, 2024 at 12:26 pm

    Ron was one of my best friends for over 50 years. He will be greatly missed! I am sure he is catching in the big ball game in the sky and giving everyone the needle!



  4. Carol Kuhns (Johnson) on October 10, 2024 at 6:37 pm

    Ron was a neighbor and church friend. We kept in touch for many years.

    The world will miss him



  5. Craig Gooding on October 11, 2024 at 11:04 am

    Ron was a friend from erley grade school cub scouts boy scouts Overland Park Christian Church and SMWest Ron was always your friend God Bless.



  6. Marvin Blakeman on October 14, 2024 at 3:32 pm

    Ron knew what people desired in a neighborhood and how to gather those elements for the best results
    His devotion to Nancy was uppermost in his life and was a shining example of a successful marriage.
    His patriotism was the spark in his life that kept him always alert to the political and military happenings of our country.
    Rest In Peace, Ron, in your voyage with God.



  7. Eileen Wallace Benskin on October 20, 2024 at 2:10 pm

    May Ron rest in peace.



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