Ronald Charles Eaker

Ronald Charles Eaker, 94, of Sikeston, MO, passed from this life, Monday, February 2, 2026.

Born October 8, 1931, at St. Louis, MO, to the late Charles Franklin Eaker and Ava Joyce Eaker, he had lived in Sikeston most of his life and was a graduate of Sikeston High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.

After returning home from service to his country, Ron began his 40 year career with Reiss/Turner Dairy and retired as manager of the Sikeston branch of Turner Dairy. He then opened Central Grocery Store on School Street and was known as the “Penny Candy Man” and earned a reputation as an honest landlord to many families.

He always enjoyed sports: hunting, fishing, coaching and playing baseball in his early years. He enjoyed casino visits and playing golf as a member of the SEMO Seniors Golf Club in his later years. He always delighted in shooting his age. Ron continued to enjoy sports, cheering his grandchildren as they played.

On June 12, 1955, he was married to Wadine Malcolm in a double wedding ceremony with his sister, Marilyn Eaker and her husband, Edward Riefler. They were married for 66 years until her death in 2021.

Surviving are his daughters, Kathy (Mike) Bohannon of Sikeston and Patti (Lacey) Bernard of St. Charles, MO; his grandchildren, Charlie (Annie) Bohannon, Natalie (Sam) Coppage, Libby (Tyler) Combs and Evan (Maddie) Bernard; his great grandchildren, Heidi Bohannon, Bo James Coppage and Baby Girl Combs. Ron will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews and also leaves behind his feline companions, Tiger and Peaches.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Eaker Riefler.

Family Graveside services with full military honors will be conducted in the chapel of the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, MO. Rev. Jennifer Bell Moxley, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston will officiate.

Interment will follow under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston.

One of the greatest joys of Ron’s life was the care and nurturing of his numerous rescue animals and pets. In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family kindly requests that you consider a memorial contribution to Sikeston PAWS, 1900 Compress Road, Sikeston, MO 63801.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.