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Ronel (Ron) Phillip Cailteux, 96

Ronel (Ron) Phillip Cailteux, ninety-six years of age, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026. He was a lifelong resident of the Concordia, Kansas area. Ron was a successful businessman and a friend to many people.

Ron was born on January 4th, 1930, on the family farm in Saint Joseph, Kansas to Homer Armand and Margaret Ann (Wheeland) Cailteux. The weather was bad and the snow so deep the day he was born that his dad had to tow the Doctor's automobile to their house with a tractor. Ron was the third of four sons.

Ron graduated from Clyde High School, Clyde, Kansas, in 1948. He enjoyed reading, writing, and playing football during his time in school. Being a depression-era baby, Ron made many personal sacrifices in order to stay in school and obtain his high school diploma. He was particularly proud of playing for Coach Ed Buller, one of the most successful high school football coaches in the nation.

Ron served in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954 aboard the USS Hopewell, serving as Quartermaster. While serving on the ship, he received notice he was the new father of a baby girl. Ron was very proud of his military service. He stayed in touch with many of his shipmates and regularly attended ship reunions during his lifetime.

On March 31, 1953, Ron married (Lola) Darlyne Holmes in Clyde, Kansas. To this union, six children were born. He loved his family and family history. He enjoyed researching family genealogy, attending family reunions, and always took time to visit family when traveling. Many summers, he would load the family into the station wagon and head for new and unfamiliar parts of this great country. Many of the destinations included historical sites. Ron and Darlyne emphasized the importance of a college education to their children. They were very proud that all six of their children graduated from the University of Kansas.

Ron was a Food Broker for Galloway Sales/Walden Brothers his entire career. He traveled throughout Kansas and Nebraska calling on Boogaart-affiliated grocery stores peddling his wares. He made many life-long friendships with his customers and competitors. After retiring, he initiated and organized monthly coffees for the many friends he made during his career. Ron was also an entrepreneur. He owned an interest in grocery stores, operated the family farm with his brothers, and owned commercial real estate.

Ron was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Concordia, Kansas. His religion was important to him, and he instilled these values in his children.

Ron loved life and was always positive and optimistic about the future. His attitude was contagious to those around him.

He particularly loved the Kansas Jayhawks and the Kansas City Chiefs. His family and friends know he is in heaven, probably sharing a toast with Gale Sayers, Don Fambrough, and others.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Margaret, and his two brothers, Eldon Emmanuel Cailteux and Kenneth Paul Cailteux.

Ron is survived by his wife - Darlyne Cailteux, his brother - Myron Lee Cailteux, his children - Susan James (Tom), Kevin Cailteux (Reta), Scott Cailteux (Jane), Kirk Cailteux, Van Cailteux (Jamie), Jay Cailteux (Julie), fifteen grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, June 01, 2026 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia, KS with Fr. Joseph Kieffer officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clyde, KS where military honors will be conducted.

Visitation will be from 4-8 pm, Sunday, May 31, 2026 with a Rosary at 7 pm all at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, KS. Family will greet friends before and after the Rosary, Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Chaput-Buoy.

The family suggests memorials to Meadowlark Hospice or OLPH Catholic Church in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.

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