Ronald "Ron" LaPlant

Ronald “Ron” Henry LaPlant, of Farmington, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on April 21, 1944, in Ironton, MO to the late Henry Franklin and Thora Pearl (West) LaPlant. Ron was a long-time businessman and entrepreneur in the Leadbelt community. For over 20 years, he worked his way up in the Brown Shoe Company and became their Plastics Engineer and traveled abroad, developing and purchasing molding equipment for the shoe industry. He established and ran a successful siding and roofing business for several years. He sold American Family Insurance and was Salesman of the Year more than once. The business that brought him the most joy was establishing and owning Mid-America Classics in Park Hills with his son. As a classic car dealer, he bought and sold high end classic cars, often internationally and to the film industry, including Jay Leno, Blues Hockey Players and announcer Garth Butcher and Kelly Chase. He was also a close, personal friend to Dana Mecum of Mecum Auctions as they were friends before the auction company was ever established. Ron was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Farmington.

In addition to his parents, Ron was also preceded in death by his daughter, Rhonda Jean (LaPlant) Lapierre; and a brother, Reginald “Reg” LaPlant.

Ron's greatest love was his family, and he always looked forward to their Sunday evening suppers when they all joined around the table for prayer and a meal each week. He enjoyed sitting on the patio watching the kids in the arena riding horses, and fishing with the family in the lake in front of the house. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 45 years, Phyllis (Blankenship) LaPlant; children, Anthony “Tony” (Michelle) LaPlant, Leslie (Mark) Fischbeck, and Nicole (Ryan) Dowell. He was adored by his grandchildren, Tyler LaPlant, Chase Fischbeck, Tristan Fischbeck, Taylor (Brayden) Bowling, Lily Dowell, Hadley Dowell, and Daphne Lapierre; as well as his great-grandson, Liam LaPlant. Ron’s son-in-law, Didier Lapierre; sister-in-law, Ann (McDowell) LaPlant; along with several nieces, and nephews, and other family members and friends brought him immense joy.

A visitation will be held at the C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home – Taylor Chapel in Farmington on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Visitation will resume Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 8:00 AM until time of service at 9:00AM with Ron’s good friend, Dwight McMinn officiating. A procession will follow the service to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Farmington with Mass at 10:00 AM with Father William Thess officiating. Interment will be held at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Farmington. A luncheon will follow the service at the Parish Center at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.