Ronnie Lee Felt, age 85, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Via Christi Medical Center, Pittsburg, KS. He was born November 4, 1938, in Fort Scott, the oldest son of Kenneth Marcellus Felt and Sylvia Mae Beerbower Felt. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1956. Ronnie married Laura Lea Coonrod on April 5, 1959, at Cato, KS. Ronnie started trucking right out of high school. He was also a farmer and a rancher after purchasing his parents’ farm in 1972. Ronnie and Laura would become the owners and operators of Felt & Sons Trucking Company out of Redfield, KS in 1982. He chased that white line for over three million miles with his sons and family by his side. Through his time trucking, Ronnie, also known as Bigfoot, made many friends and built relationships that would last his lifetime. He served as a Deacon at Mt. Orum Baptist Church.
Ronnie retired at the age of 72. His pride and joy was his family, especially the grandkids and great grandkids. He could often be found in his recliner with multiple great grandchildren piled on his lap. He led his family for 85 years with knowledge and wisdom. At the end of his life, he was surrounded by the family that loved and adored him.
Survivors include his wife Laura of the home, and children Rickie Felt and wife, Cindy of San Antonio, Troy Felt and partner, Tami Shirley of Redfield, and Rhonda Kellstadt and husband Robert of Mound City. Six grandchildren, Kathy Felt, Kenny Felt (Megan), Clayton Dierksen (McKenna), Tyler Felt (Skylar), Haley Arnold (Adam), and Cade Kellstadt (Avery) and his great-grandchildren: Blair, Waylon, Easton, Knox, Smith, Carver, Creek, Olivia, and Macy. Ronnie is also survived by his siblings Shirley Felt Cary, CH Felt, and Gary Felt.
He was preceded in death by a grandson Scott Felt, his parents Kenneth and Sylvia Felt, and a sister Marcella Felt Butler.
Pastor Tom Bevard will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 13th, at the Mt. Orum Baptist Church, Redfield, KS.
Burial will follow in the Mt. Orum Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to either Shriner’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Ronnie was a giant among men. A true hero who always had a story to tell and lots of jokes. My prayers go out to Laura and Troy as well as the rest of the family.
Rest in peace Bigfoot!