Ronald Thoedore Lorenz

Ronald “Ron” Theodore Lorenz, age 90, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, at his home in Jackson, Missouri. His beloved wife Debra was at his side.

He was born on the South Side of Chicago to the late Raymond W. Lorenz and Olga (Hagel) Lorenz on April 9th, 1936. He lived in too many places to count, but found a home in Jackson, Missouri.

Ron was a lifelong entrepreneur and owned a diverse group of companies throughout his life. He started as a small boy shining shoes on the streets of Chicago, where he first learned how to sell. A gifted salesman and musician, he later leveraged these skills to open Capital Music in the Chicago area in 1967. In the early 80’s, he and family moved to Jackson, Missouri. In Jackson, he and his then-wife Phyllis Lorenz opened Rapco, International. Rapco (later acquired by ACT Entertainment) became a huge success, brought many jobs to the area, and touched many lives.

Later, Ron moved to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi to enjoy his retirement. After spending years traveling, gambling, boating, and fishing, he eventually moved back to Jackson, Missouri to be closer to his cherished family.

Jackson is where he met his beloved wife Debra, who he married on May 19, 2019 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. While they met later in life, Ron often described his time with Debra as some of the happiest memories of his life.

Ron loved music, playing the piano and organ, singing, gambling, boating, day-trading and travel. He was an avid craps player, and a long-time member of the Elks Lodge in Cape Girardeau. He loved meeting new people, and made friends and memories wherever he went. Those who knew him will never forget his sense of humor, laugh, creativity, zest for life and sense of adventure. He had many wonderful friends, who became a second family. His family was the great love of his life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother; Marvin Lorenz of Glenview, Illinois, and his sister; Diane Chasse of Blackstone, Massachusetts.

Loving survivors include: his wife, Debra Lorenz; his brother, Charles Krochell; three sisters, Debbie Barker, JoAnn Smith, and Jackie Kushman; two sons, Dane Lorenz, and Adam Lorenz; three daughters, Lee Birgenheier, Drenna Lorenz, and Amy Lorenz-Moser; ten grandchildren, Brian, Brandon, Justin, Corey, Sydney, Barrett, Olivia, Siena, Charlie, and Andy; and five great-grandchildren, Paige, Shaylea, Drake, Bea, and Margot.

A Celebration of Ron’s life will be held Sunday, August 16th, at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, Missouri from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, Ron’s family has requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society at American Cancer Society/donate or American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.