Ronnie Ray Pilant, son of Aubrey and Virgie (Edie) Pilant, was born March 16, 1944, in Cassville, Missouri and departed this life on September 2, 2026, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-two years.
On January 2, 1965, Ronnie married the love of his life Sheileyn Cross. Together they shared sixty-one years of joyous memories, love and laughter side by side, while raising their two sons, Matt and Larry.
Ronnie was a hard worker and always provided for his family. He was widely known as the “Telephone Man”. He worked in the phone company business for over thirty-five years. It was a job he knew and loved. He eventually took on the role of owner. He and Sheileyn owned and operated the Lebanon Phone Center for several years. Ronnie was also an avid woodworker. He made saddle lamps, tables and bookshelves. Most of which were a little rustic, just like him. He took great pride in his work and that was reflected in every piece of furniture he produced. His work motto, also printed on his business card, was “Created by God. Arranged by Ron.”
Ronnie had a big heart and loved many things about this life. He loved his dogs; Jenny, Missy, Daisy, Juicy Fruit and Lady, which he was most partial to. He loved all things chocolate and was always known to have a piece or two with him at all times. He loved his family deeply especially his children and grandchildren. His fondest memories were memories of them and time spent together. He loved watching them play and thrive in various sports throughout the years and was always their biggest fan. He was always there.
Ronnie leaves behind to celebrate his memory, his wife, Sheileyn; two sons, Matt Pilant and his wife Michelle and Larry Pilant; his grandchildren, Jamie Pilant and his wife Kyia, Mikayla Pilant and Triniti Thompson; his great-grandchildren, Braxton, Blakely, Piper and Adeleigha; other relatives and many dear co-workers and friends.
Departing this life before him were his parents, Aubrey and Virgie Pilant; his siblings, Charles Pilant, Harold “Bud” Pilant, Jim Pilant, Billy Gene Pilant and Frances Sue Casner.
Ronnie was a devoted husband, loving father and caring friend and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services for Ronnie Ray Pilant will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel with Brian Kincheloe officiating. Burial will be in Pilant Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri.
Visitation will be held at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, starting at 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Memorial contributions in honor of Ronnie may be made to St. Judes. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, 1001 N. Lynn or P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, Missouri 65536.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
