2/19/1943 – 10/6/2026
Wakarusa Township
Ronald Warren Derusseau, born February 19, 1943, in Concordia, KS to Ronell and Marjorie (Graham) Derusseau, left us for his next adventure October 6, 2026. After graduating from Concordia High School in 1961 he attended Kansas State University earning a Bachelor in Architecture. While at Kansas State he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha where he made many lifelong friends. As an only child, his Pike brothers held a special place in his heart.
Ron married Marilyn Hemphill, they had two sons, Brad and Jeff. They later divorced and he married Carolyn Brewster, with whom he had two children, Chad and Emily. They later divorced. November 1, 1997 he married Michelle Lavery.
Ron loved growing up in Concordia and cherished his lifelong friends, often sharing stories of their exploits. Ron liked to reminisce about his jobs while growing up, stories of the harvest, bridge building, working on the railroad, and at the clothing store. Ron retired in 2020 after 55 years as an architect, home builder, and construction manager.
Ron enjoyed spending time with family, golfing, playing cards, skiing, listening to jazz, and the annual Manhattan weekend for KSU football with his Pike brothers. He loved traveling with Michelle, and after many years of annual trips to Mexico, adventures to Europe, Alaska, and many cruises, they purchased an RV so Ron could continue to travel. Together with their dogs, they covered many miles on the road enjoying the beauty of our Country. Ron’s favorite “season” was “tomato season”. He took great joy in tending his garden and providing neighbors and family with his homegrown tomatoes.
Ron loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart. He loved watching them grow, enjoyed hearing of their adventures, and was extremely proud of them. Some of Ron’s happiest days were Wisconsin summers with his kids: water skiing, grilling, eating lots of fresh corn on the cob, and enjoying local brews.
As he wished, Ron passed away at home. Michelle converted his “bunkhouse” (family room) into a hospital suite where he was comfortable and spent Saturdays and Sundays watching football and golf with friends and family. Ron’s last day was spent surrounded by the love and laughter of family telling “Ron stories”, of which there were many. One thing about Ron, he was never boring. There were many amusing stories.
Surviving are sons Brad (Ginnie), Jeff (Kim), Chad (Cory), daughter Emily, and his grandchildren Chase (Alexa), Quinn, Madeline, Connor, Chloe (Dylan), and Mason.
Ron leaves behind his wife, Michelle and beloved dog, Winnie. His in-laws Sue Lavery, Paul & Rosie Lavery, Todd Lavery, Paul & Kristi Lavery, Allison Smith & Bobby Hackworth, nieces and nephews Cameron, Kerrigan, Aidan, Colin, Matthew, Madison, and Tabetha. Many cousins, and his Pike brothers. He was predeceased by his parents.
Ron will be terribly missed, but will be remembered for his laugh, his sense of humor, love of life, sense of adventure, and his die-hard K-State spirit, EMAW!
Grief is the price we pay for love. The deeper the love, the greater grief.
All family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence, KS from 2-4pm on Friday, November 27th. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lawrence Humane Society or Douglas County Toys for Tots.
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