Ron's wife, Patty, is retired after a 30-year banking career. Their daughter, Kara, is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a Master's Degree in education and a DPT in physical therapy. Their son, Chad, is a 1998 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in architecture. They have one grandchild, Natalie.

Ron attended grade schools in Parsons, Kansas; Chicago, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; and Joplin, Missouri. He graduated from McAuley High School in 1965 as president of High School Freshman and his Junior Class. He graduated from Missouri Southern State University (Joplin) in 1969 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in History with a minor in Political Science and English. He was president of his Junior Class (1968) and the Student Senate (1968).

Ron graduated from Missouri State University (Springfield) in 1971 with a Master of Arts and Recent American History. He has since attended numerous seminars on city planning and zoning, governance, and city government while serving on Joplin's City Zoning & Planning Commission, on the City Council and as Mayor of Joplin.

Highlights of Ron Richard's lengthy record of public service include:

• 2008 - Re-elected Missouri State Representative, 129th District, Joplin, Missouri. Elected by the House to serve as Speaker of the House 2009-2010.
• 2006 - Elected 3rd term, Missouri State Representatives, Chairman of Economic Development & Job Creation Committee.
• 2004 - Elected 2rd term, Missouri State Representatives, Chairman of Economic Development & Job Creation Committee.
• 2002 - Elected to Missouri State Representatives, 129th District.
• 2000 - County Chairman "Jim Talent for Governor."
• 2000 - Committee for George W. Bush for President campaign stop in Joplin, 5,000 attended.
• 2000 - present - Chairman, Joplin Redevelopment Corporation, Inc. board of directors (Downtown Revitalization Plan).
• 1997 - present - Board of Directors & Vice President, Joplin Industrial & Development Corporation.
• 1985 - present - Numerous committees assisting campaigns for Missouri U.S. senators, U.S. congressmen, governors, state senators, state representatives, county and city elections.

• 2000 - 2005 - Missouri Southern State College Foundation, Board of Directors.
• 2000 - 2002 - Bowling, Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Board of Directors.
• 2000 - 2002 - Board of Directors and 2nd-term President, Bowling Proprietor Association of America Board of Directors, Arlington, Texas.
• 1999 - 2000 - Member, citizens' fundraising group to send Joplin High School band to Cotton Bowl & Rose Bowl.
• 1999 - CEO, Bowling Proprietor Association of America search committee, Arlington, Texas.
• 1999 - 2002 - Joplin Public School R-8 Foundation.
• 1998 - Chairman, Dennis Weaver Fundraiser for Economics, Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, Missouri.
• 1996 - 1998 - Board Member, Missouri Municipal League, Jefferson City, Missouri.
• 1994 - 1998 - Elected 2nd term without opposition, Joplin City Council.
• 1994 - 1997 - Elected Mayor, City of Joplin, served two terms. Co-founder of Mayor's & County Commisioner's Conclave.

• 1994 - 1997 - Board of Directors, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.
• 1993 - 1996 - President, Missouri State Bowling Proprietor Association. Elected Bowling Proprietor of America Regional Vice President over five states (MO, IL, KY, TN & IN).
• 1992 - 1994 - Elected Mayor pro-term, City of Joplin.
• 1992 - 1997 - Chairman of Harry S Truman Coordinating Counil of Government.
• 1992 - 1997 - City of Joplin representative to Region M Solid Waste District.
• 1990 - 1994 - Elected to Joplin City Council, appointed to Joplin Health Department Review Board.
• 1981 - 1987 - Appointed to Joplin Zoning & Planning Commission, Chairman 1985-1987.

• Past officer, Joplin Elks Lodge.
• Member, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Member, Missouri Restaurant Association.
• Member, NFIB.
• Member, Farm Bureau.
• Fellowship, Lodge No. 345, A.F. & A.M.
• Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Joplin.
• Member, Joplin Kiwanis.
• Member, Knights of Columbus.
• Former member, Professional Bowlers Association.
• Former member, Missouri Bowling Council.
• Former member, Board of Directors of Missouri Southern State College Alumni Association.
• Former Member, Joplin Jaycees.
• Past president, Missouri Elks Bowling Association.

• 2008 - Re-elected Missouri State Representative, 129th District, Joplin, Missouri. Elected by the House to serve as Speaker of the House 2009-2010.
• 2006 - Re-elected Missouri State Representative, 129th District, Joplin, Missouri. Chairman of Economic Development & Job Creation of Missouri House, Representatives.
• 2004 - Re-elected Missouri State Representative, 129th District, Joplin, Missouri. Chairman of Economic Development & Job Creation of Missouri House, Representatives.
• 2002 - Elected Missouri State Representative, 129th District, Joplin, Missouri. Chairman of Economic Development & Job Creation of Missouri House, Representatives.
• 1991 - present - Full duties with C & N Bowl Corporation.
• 1994 - Partner, C & R Development Corporation.
• 1998 - Vice President & Secretary of C & N Bowl Corporation, Senior Managing Officer responsible for overall activities over five Bowling Centers in two states. Assumed further duties associated with financial operations and planning.
• 1998 - Invited for second time to conduct classes for Missouri Southern State College, but declined due to previous commitments.

• 1987 - Chief Financial Officer of two Joplin, Missouri, bowling locations — Ft. Smith, Arkansas & two Little Rock, Arkansas.
• 1985 - 1987 - Bowling Center Manager of new facility, Carl Richard Bowl, East Joplin, Missouri.
• 1978 - 1987 - Assistant Financial Officer, C & N Bowl Corporation.
• 1976 - Conducted twelve hours of classes for American History Department, Missouri Southern State College. Maintained duties with C & N Bowl Corporation.
• 1972 - Taught McAuley High School as volunteer to finish school year for an absent teacher. Maintained duties with C & N Bowl Corporation.
• 1971 - Joined C & N Bowl Corporation as Assistant League Coordinator and Food & Beverage Supervisor.
• 1965 - 1971 - Numerous capacities at bowling centers during high school, including construction, janitorial, maintenance, sales and service; U.S. Post Office, processing mail and unloading trucks.