Ronald Wayne Lesh

Ronald Wayne Lesh, of Nixa, passed away August 15, 2026. He was born February 2, 1942, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Andrew and Helen Lesh.

Ronald proudly served in the United States Army for 20 years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. During his military career, he served as a crew chief on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Following his military service, he attended Sacramento State University and became a certified alcohol and drug counselor. He went on to work as an alcohol and drug counselor for the State of California.

Ronald was deeply involved in Alcoholics Anonymous, serving as a sponsor and always willing to give his time, encouragement, and resources to help others. He was a generous man who was always there for family and friends.

Ronald had a lifelong love of drag racing, which he enjoyed in his younger years and continued to follow throughout his life. He also loved football and boxing.

Ronald was first married to Anna Therese Lesh. Although they later divorced, the two remained best friends throughout the years. He later married Ladonna Lesh, gaining an extended family whom he loved dearly. Ladonna preceded him in death in 2012.

Ronald is survived by his sons, Ronald (Jackie Emory) Lesh and Douglas (Amanda) Lesh; stepchildren, Robert Azevedo, Brandon Azevedo, Dawnie Patterson, and Breanna Parks; grandchildren, Hattie Lesh, Chloe Lesh, Logan Lesh, Devyn Bess, Savannah Bess, Gavin Blankenship, and Chris Spiljak; step-grandchildren, Alyssa, Taryn, Scotty, Wyatt, Weldon, Ashley, Jocelyn, Alison, Lucas, and Levi; great-granddaughter Adalynn Bess; and siblings Nelson Lesh and Barbie Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Helen Lesh; wife, Ladonna Lesh; ex-wife and best friend, Anna Therese Lesh; and daughter, Anna Susan Spiljak.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, Missouri.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, September 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home in Nixa, with a funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. A private committal services will follow at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri with full military honors.