Ronald Eugene “Ron” Beatty, 71, of Hillsboro, died on Monday, August 3, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Mr. Beatty was born May 12, 1955, in Springfield, a son to Ronald C. and Marjorie (Kruger) Beatty.
On July 7, 2007, he married the former Julie Murray. They were together for 36 years and married for 19 of those years; she survives.
Throughout his life he called many places home, living in Venezuela, Minnesota, Florida, Virginia and Illinois. His varied experiences shaped his appreciation for people from all walks of life.
Mr. Beatty built a career through hard work and determination. He worked as a restaurant manager, operated a liquor store and later owned and operated his own flooring company. He took great pride in what he did and was known for his intelligence and ability to solve any problem.
Those who knew him will remember his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He loved to read and was always eager to learn something new. He enjoyed puttering around the house and the shed, visiting neighbors and friends, and sharing stories that could make anyone laugh. He also enjoyed shooting his bow at the Slim and Spuds Archery Shop in Litchfield with friends and family.
Mr. Beatty enjoyed all his summers with his cousin Mike Murrill as a young boy when they returned home from Venezuela for visits. Those were his best childhood memories. He enjoyed his daily visits with the neighbors, Al and Brenda Oberle, which he treasured. He had his Wednesday morning coffee group where they talked about sports, the good ole days and everything else that filled the mornings with laughter.
Among his greatest joys was reconnecting with his boys. The time they shared together became a source of pride, love and lasting memories. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed spending time watching his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Mr. Beatty was a man that loved sports. He was a St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, Illini Basketball and Minnesota Vikings fan. He enjoyed watching them all.
He will be missed by so many, but his quick wit and humor will live on in his son Corey, and his grandson Carter.
If Mr. Beatty could leave us with one final gift, it would be a smile. He never missed an opportunity to make someone laugh, and that laughter will echo into the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his wife Julie, Mr. Beatty is survived by his sons, Ronnie (Leigh Anna) of St. Peters, MO, Jeff and Chris, both of Belleville, and Corey (Kiley) of Hillsboro; his grandchildren, Lilli, Ronnie, Stella, Seth, Corinne, Helena, Carter Beatty and Aria Maton; his brothers, Steve (Christine) of Texas and Gregg (Raydene) of Illinois; his sister, Laura (Kristopher) of Texas; his brothers-in-law, Thomas (Mary) Murray Jr., Brian (Stormie) Murray and Travis (Danielle) Murray; his sisters-in-law, JoAnn (Brett) Seward, Jody Jacobs, Jennifer (Bruiser) Fenton; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Brian; his father-in-law, Thomas L. Murray Sr.; his brother-in-law, Fuzzy Jacobs; and his nephew, William Crays.
Hough-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family; please visit www.houghdeanfh.com to leave online condolences for his family.
