Ronald Everette Greathouse was born July 5, 1940 in Garden City. Kansas and departed this life on August 14, 2016 at his home in lee’s Summit, MO at the age of 76 years.
He was the son of Ralph G. and Fern L. (Collins) Greathouse. Ron was the youngest of six children, with four sisters and one brother. He spent his early years on the family farm, prior to moving to Garden City to complete high school. On August 10, 1963, he was united in marriage with Judy Widup in Parsons, Kansas.
After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology, with a specialty in Automotive Technology at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. Ron taught one year at Arvada High School in Colorado. Upon receiving a Master’s Degree in Industrial/Automotive Technology at Pittsburg State University, he was hired in 1965 by Ford Motor Company as a Service Representative.
Hoping to travel less, Ron left Ford in 1969 to join the faculty at Longview Community College as an Automotive Technology instructor when the campus first opened. During his 18 months in that position he helped launch a new Automotive Technology Mid- management program, and was later promoted to Associate Dean of Vocational Education. In 1975, he was named Dean of Business at Longview, then, in 1978, he moved to the District Office of the Metropolitan Colleges (MCC). As Director of Fiscal Operations, he successfully steered MCC through one of the most severe financial crises ever experienced by the District.
In 1981 he was named Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, a position he held through times of change for MCC. After steering MCC”s recovery from the fiscal challenges of the late 70’s and early 80’s, Ron capably oversaw the financial side of a major building campaign to replace the aging temporary buildings at all of MCC’s suburban campuses. Later, Ron served as acting president during presidential searches for MCC’s Blue River and Longview campuses, providing experienced guidance and continuity for those campuses and the district.
During his career with MCC, Ron was recognized as a Regional Outstanding Business officer by the National Association of College and University Business officers, the award that meant the most to him, having been nominated by Bob Jensen, Director of Financial Services.
Always a teacher, and despite his many professional accomplishments, Ron was most proud of the successes of the people he mentored along the way. A lifelong ‘perfectionist’, he held high expectations for himself and others, as well as a unique ability to inspire those around him.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph G. and Fern L. Greathouse; brother, Ralphie Greathouse and wife Pearl; sisters, Pauline Joyce and Fernie Greathouse; and brothers-in-law, Boots Phillips, Doug Tedrow and Ronnie Broadhurst.
He is survived by his wife Judy; daughter, Sonja Campbell (David) and their children, Madeline and Jacob, and daughter, Mary Beth Norsworthy (Jerry); sisters, Evelyn Phillips and Beth Tedrow; brother-in-law, Lloyd Joyce; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kay and Joe Vacca; sister-in-law, Dixie Broadhurst and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service, in honor of Ron Greathouse, will be held at 2p.m. Friday, August 19, 2016 at the Grace Baptist Church, 850 SW 150 Hwy, Lee’s Summit, MO. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until Service time at 2 p.m. at the church. Inurnment Greenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers family suggests contributions to fightcoloncancer.org or goodshepherdhospice.com
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