Ronald Dean Husted

Ronald Dean Husted, 82, of Paola, Kansas passed away on January 8, 2026 at his home.

He was born on February 5, 1943 to Clifford and Dolores (Spears) Husted in Osawatomie, Kansas. He was their only child. Ron graduated from Paola High School, class of 1961. He attended Ottawa University before returning to Paola to begin his work career.

He worked many labor intensive jobs beginning with the City of Paola Public Works. From there, Ron became a welder at Taylor Forge. He later worked at G.K. Smith and Sons before retiring as a plumber for Debrick Plumbing. He also worked as a carpenter and a roofer.

On June 7, 1963, Ron was united in marriage to Francis (Diane) Husted. They were married until Diane’s passing in August 2024, having celebrated 61 years of marriage. To this union, two daughters were born, Robin and Jennifer, and one son, John.

At Robin’s request in the late 1970s, Ron began coaching girls’ softball. This became a passion of his which he continued until 2003. Ron loved coaching and often spent his winter evenings coaching pitchers in the local school gymnasiums. He was very proud of the many girls that he had coached that were able to attend college with a softball scholarship. Ron was instrumental in the formation of the Paola Girls Softball Association. He worked with the American Legion to acquire the land for the first girls’ softball field, which became Julie Silver Field. After going to the bank to take out a personal loan for the materials, Ron, along with Gale Beckner, Karl Kelsey, Ted Moore, and Ernie Wilhoite went to work constructing the field. He cherished all of the good times that he had in softball.

Ron is survived by daughters Robin (Brad) Ennis and Jennifer (Jeff) Haley, all of Paola. As well as 6 grandchildren, Shaylan Miller, Ashley Ludwick, Thaddeus Husted, Kenna Haley, Katie Haley, and Krista Haley and 4 great-grandchildren, Kelbi Miller, Rhett Miller, Wren Ludwick, Theo Ludwick.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Diane and his son, John.

The family would like to acknowledge the comfort and aide that Good Shepherd Hospice provided Ron these past few years and in particular, in the final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made through the funeral home to Foster Grandparents or Good Shepherd Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.

A visitation celebrating the lives of both Ron and Diane will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 between 5:30 – 7:30 pm at Dengel & Son in Paola. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date.

To share a memory of Ron or to leave a special message of condolence for his family, please visit the Guestbook below.