Ronald L. Dumay

Apr 12, 2022 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2022 | 2 comments

Ronald L. Dumay, 87, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2022 at the St Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. A memorial service and celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, April 22 at 3pm at the Village Presbyterian Chapel, 6641 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS. Visitation will follow in Friendship Hall, 3:30 to 5:30 pm.

Born September 11,1934 in Sikeston, Missouri to Oliver and Edith Frey Dumay, Ron’s SEMO upbringing taught him the values of hard work, honesty, and that your handshake is your bond. Ron married his high school sweetheart, Ann Gentry, in 1957 and started his family in Tacoma, Washington where he was stationed with the US Army at Fort Lewis. Honorably discharged in 1959, Ron moved his young family to Columbia, Missouri and completed his studies in business administration. Following graduation from MU, Ron joined Hallmark Cards in Kansas City as an accountant. Later promoted to Budget Director, he developed the company’s first international budget and managed the Crown Center Complex financing. Ron ultimately achieved the position of Vice President, Crown Center Redevelopment where his responsibilities included all Hallmark corporate real estate worldwide. He was particularly proud of his efforts to stabilize the Union Hill and Longfellow neighborhoods surrounding corporate headquarters. Ron was also the Principal Owner of Advance Sailboat Corp. in Independence. Following retirement, Ron personally contributed to the eastern expansion of Kansas City’s Hospital Hill and Crossroads Arts Districts by purchasing and redeveloping the former City Ice Company.

Ron loved Kansas City and enthusiastically served several area organizations as a board member and volunteer, including: The Kansas City Chamber and Downtown Council, Urban Land Institute, Maincor, Jackson County Sheltered Workshop, Shepherd’s Center, American Royal Association, John Knox Village, Kaw Valley Habitat for Humanity, Village Presbyterian Church, Northeast Kansas Quarter Horse Association, and the Missouri Angus Association.

Ron enjoyed woodworking, fishing, golfing, telling a good story and negotiating a great deal. He appreciated an evening with the Kansas City Symphony as much as a dusty summer night at a rodeo. Endlessly curious, he enjoyed studying and tackling new projects–everything from raising Black Angus cattle and Quarter Horses to designing and building furniture pieces that now populate family members’ homes. Ron earned many friends along the way but none greater than his group of fishing buddies who traveled North America together in search of the perfect catch.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Edith (Frey) Dumay and siblings Kenneth Dumay, Richard Dumay, and Wilma Jean Dumay. Ron is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann Gentry Dumay, of the home, as well as his children David L. Dumay of Edmond, Oklahoma and Susan Dumay Wolfe of Prairie Village, Kansas. He is also survived by his Grandson Chris Dumay (Meghan), Great-Granddaughters Penny and Coco, Nieces Kelli Bailiff Bowman and Becca Knowles Caldwell, and Nephews Scott Dumay Knowles and Michael Dumay. Ron lived in the Kansas City metro for 60 years. He and Ann also enjoyed winters in Mount Dora, Florida for 15 years, eagerly hosting family and friends wishing to escape the cold northern climes.

Ron was a devoted and proud husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. His humor, stubbornness, wise counsel, and endless love will be forever missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shepherd’s Center, American Royal Foundation, the Kansas City Symphony, or the non-profit of your choice.

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Dan Heck

1 year ago

I’m only hoping that my dear friend Susan, Ron’s daughter, will find comfort in reflecting on his very long and very well-lived life. He sounds like a wonderful man who enjoyed diverse interests and pursuits throughout his working and retirement years. His life offers a fine example for others to emulate in their own life experiences.

Karil Kaylor

1 year ago

Susan, I know you will sorely miss your father. This is a lovely tribute to a man who accomplished much and lived life fully.

Kind Words

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MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

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Marchia

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The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

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