15 Facts About Ron Richard

Ronald Francis Richard was an American politician from the state of Missouri.

Ron Richard was the first speaker to later be elected Missouri senator in more than 100 years and became the first in Missouri's history to serve as top leader in both houses of his state's legislature, and the fifth person in United States history to do such after winning election for President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate.

Ron Richard attended Missouri Southern State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1969.

Ron Richard then furthered his education by attending graduate school at Southwest Missouri State College, receiving his Master of Arts in 1971.

Ron Richard died from complications of bladder cancer on June 9,2023, at the age of 75.

Ron Richard was a member of the Joplin Elks Lodge, the Joplin Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Joplin Industrial and Development Authority, the Joplin Kiwanis Club, Missouri Farm Bureau, Scottish Rite Bodies, the Valley of Joplin, the Joplin Knights of Columbus, and the Missouri Higher Education Savings Program Board.

Ron Richard was a member of the Professional Bowlers Association and was the chairman of the Joplin 353 Downtown Development Corporation.

Ron Richard was the recipient of the Missouri Southern State University Outstanding Alumni award in 2003, the RCGA Statesman Award in 2004, the St Louis Business Journal Legislative Award, the Community College Award, and has served as the 7th District delegate to the Republican National Convention on multiple occasions.

Ron Richard served on the city council until 1994, when he was elected mayor.

In 2002, Ron Richard ran to replace the outgoing Chuck Surface, in the first session where term limits were enacted in 1992 and starting in 1994 fully affected all prior members.

In 2005, Ron Richard was appointed chairman of the influential Committee on Job Creation and Economic Development.

Ron Richard helped lead several key pieces of legislation through the Missouri House, including a bill that would have helped Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier construct a mega-plant in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Ron Richard was chosen to serve as majority floor leader in 2012.

Senator Ron Richard was elected to a second Senate term in 2014 and again was selected as majority floor leader.

Ron Richard is the only person in Missouri history to serve as both Speaker of the House and President Pro Tem of the Senate.