Ronnie “Catfish) Cassady, 64, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Saturday (October 1, 2011) at his home after a long hard battle with cancer.

The son of Birney James and Winnie Marie (Capps) Cassady, he was born July 15, 1947 in Worthington, Missouri. On May 14, 1966, in Worthington, Missouri, Ronnie was united in marriage to Wilma “Kathy” Ruggles.

Ronnie is survived by his wife Kathy of forty-five years; one son, Shane Cassady and wife Shelly of Kirksville, MO; two daughters, Tammy Gordon of North Dakota and Lacey Cassady of Phoenix, Arizona; four grandchildren, Jeremy Wilkins and wife Kayla, Kendrea Wilkins, Clark Cassady and Cyren Cassady, and two great-grandchildren, Katelynn and Dakota Wilkins. He is also survived by two brothers, Mike Cassady of Ottumwa, IA and Gary Cassady and wife Dixie of Cedar Rapids, IA, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Randy J. Cassady; one brother, Eugene Cassady; one sister in infancy and his grandson, Todd Cassady.

In his life, Ronnie enjoyed fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. However, his main source of enjoyment was playing music with and for his family. Ronnie played in several bands, and at time his wife and children would join him in singing and playing instruments. There were times in his life, when able that he also worked in construction and laying floors.

Anyone that ever had the pleasure of meeting Ronnie knew right away that he was a stranger to no one. He was very popular and much loved by his family, friends, and acquaintances. Those who knew him LOVED him from the first moment he entered their lives, and will sadly mourn his passing.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday (October 4, 2011) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with family receiving friends two hours before the service. Pastor Jeff Dodson of Novinger will officiate the service. Interment will follow the service at Rose Cemetery in Graysville, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Gary Cassady, Jeff May, Jason Robinson, Chris Gordon, Mike Baird and Jeff Baird. Honorary pallbearers will be Bull Davis, Robert Smith, Tyler Robinson and Jeremy Wilkins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronnie Cassady Memorial Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.