Mr. Priest was a sales representative for U.S. Plywood before his retirement, and in his heart he was a handyman, always working in his spare time on a project for family and friends. He coached soccer for many years and was a past president of the Belle-Clair Soccer League. He was also a Boy Scout leader. Ron was an active member and Past Master of Freeburg Masonic Lodge #418 AF & AM, a member of the Ainad Shrine of East St. Louis, and a 50-year member of the Belleville Scottish Rite. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Horace C. and Gladys H., nee Oberbeck, Priest; two sisters, Patricia Stevenson and Beverly Gibson; a dear granddaughter, Ella Prickett; and a son-in-law, David Prickett.
Surviving are wife of 52 years, Shirley A., nee Wuebbels, Priest, whom he married on June 8, 1963;
two sons, Brian (Heather) Priest of Littleton, CO,
and Eric Priest (fiancee, Laurie Hasty) of Belleville, IL;
two daughters, Stacy (David) Hearst of St. Charles, MO,
and Laurie Prickett (David Slimack) of Freeburg, IL;
seven grandchildren, Haley and Jacob Hearst, Hannah Prickett,
Briley Priest, Jada and Josiah Priest, and Marlee Hernandez;
and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Freeburg Care Center and Hospice of Southern Illinois for their care and support of Mr. Priest.
Memorials may be made to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital or to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2015, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. A Masonic ritual will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
Condolences Left For Ronald Priest
There was never a better husband, father and grandfather. We will miss you until we see you again someday.
Brian Priest and Family, Littleton, CO, 80128
Dear Laurie, Shirley, Eric, Brian, Stacy & Hannah & the rest of the family:
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, dad & grandfather. Ron was truly a gift. He always had a smile, story to tell and welcomed everyone into your family. Our family included.
Our prayers, thoughts & love to all of you.
Love,
The Gray Family
Susie, Doug,
Liz & Matt, Dougie, Jake & Abby
Susie Dahm Gray, Swansea, Illinois, 62226
Dear Stacy, Brian, Laurie,
I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to all of you in this difficult time. Please know all the Kerkemeyer family are praying for your peace and comfort knowing your dad is in His hands.
Karen (Kerkemeyer) Meehan, Waterloo, IL, 62298
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Priest family. May you find comfort in your cherished memories. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Julie Freed Knutson, Woodlawn, Illinois, 62898
Aunt Shirley, Stacey, Laurie, Brian and Eric, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Ron was a great guy. I remember the last time I saw him was at Peggy and Dale’s for our family reunion. I sat and talked with him for awhile and he knew me! That meant a lot to me.
My thoughts and prayers are coming your way. I love all of you very much. Stay strong.
Cheri
Cheri Albers, Trenton, Il, 62293
Shirley, I am so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bunnie Kennedy, Granite City, IL, 62040
Laurie, Hannah, Mrs. priest, and family,
Our condolences to you all on the loss of Ron.
– the Gimenez Family: Rob, Joyce, & Harrison
Joyce Jamison, , , 62226
My sympathy to the Priest family. I was friends with his family in New Athens and we worshiped in the same church and miss them as friends, and thanks for the memories.
Dorothy Ablett Hacker, New Athens, Il., 62264
Our prayers and sympathies are with your whole family. He was a loving father and husband and will be greatly missed.
Don and Janet Pallett, St. Charles, MO, 63303
Please accept my sincere sympathy. Ron and I were cousins. Even though I hadn’t seen him in years, I have found memories of him as well as his sisters, Pat and Bev who have gone on before him.
Dixie Lee Warren Matthews, Rowlett, TX, 75089
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you as we remember all the good times we shared.Love to all
The Carson & Zaiz families, N Las Vegas, Nevada, 89031
Shirley, you & your family have my deepest sympathy. Ron was fortunate to have such a loving family, who did all they could & more than most to give him the care he needed.
Margaret Wilson, Belleville, IL, 62226
dear laurie, hannah and eric– we are so sorry to hear of your loss. know you are in our prayers daily.
worth & karen
karen & worth taylor, swansea, il, 62226
Rest in peace Ron, you will be missed. Heaven gained an angel a great husband & father.
Laurie Wrubel Hasty, Belleville , IL, 62221