Ronald Dean Luna, 75, of South Fork, MO passed away August 14, 2021, in Great Bend, KS while flying to Denver, CO for surgery. He died from cardiac arrest in flight. He was born December 6, 1945, in Springfield, MO to Joe Neal and Helen Marie (Ebrite) Luna. He was a 1963 graduate of Gainesville High School. On April 15, 1967, he married Jacquline Dian Terry in Gainesville. Although Ron and Dian lived in several cities, he always called Gainesville his home.

In 1965 Ron and his twin brother, Don, were drafted into the U. S. Army. They completed basic training together at Fort Leonard Wood. After basic training Ron was transferred to Fort Ord, California, for infantry training. He served one year in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division. He was stationed at Cu Chi, and surprisingly, several months later, Don's 86th Signal Battalion arrived at a base across the road. They were able to celebrate their 21st birthday together in Vietnam. Ron completed his military service at Fort Hood, Texas, in 1967.

He also worked for TWA in air transportation for ten years in Kansas City and Tulsa. He was awarded "Man of the Year" for writing a training manual for ramp service personnel which was used in TWA's training procedures. His award included a seven-day trip to Paris for him and Dian.

Ron's work experience was primarily involved in the trucking industry. From a young age he assisted his granddad Rufus Luna and his dad Joe with their trucking operations. In 1980 he purchased a portion of his dad's business Luna Truck Line. Later he and his partner James Dawson purchased the truckline. They expanded the operation to include terminals in Gainesville, Springfield, West Plains, Harrison, Memphis, Kansas City, St. Louis, Poplar Bluff, and Chicago. They operated the business for 21 years. Ron loved living his dream of owning and operating a truckline for 21 years.

Ron loved being with his grandkids, watching westerns (John Wayne) while eating buttered popcorn, and holding his buddies Pooh Bear and Krickit.

He is survived by his wife Dian of the home; three sons, Bradley Luna and wife Marian of South Fork, Dwight Luna and wife Crystal of St. Peter's, and Aaron Luna and wife Patty of Farmington; grandchildren Skylar Luna and wife Courtney, Parker Luna and fiancée Avery McCarty, Paige, Landon, Ariana and Jackson Luna, and step-granddaughter Hannah Duncan; his twin brother, Don Luna and wife Barbara, and his brother Dan Luna; and his cousin Linda Winton Wallace, who lived with Ron's family for several years and was considered a sister.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant granddaughter, Charlotte Marie Luna.

The family is honoring Ron's request to have a closed-casket visitation and service. Visitation with the family is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2021 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 21, at 11 a.m. at the Gainesville Cemetery. The service will be officiated by their pastor Allen Cartwright.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, Disabled American Veterans, or Gainesville Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.