Ronald “Ronnie” Fox Kahn, 88, of Leawood, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 2, in Rancho Mirage, California, where he had maintained a winter home for many years.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 4, 1937, to Lester and Ethel Kahn, Ronnie grew up in Butler, Missouri. He attended Wentworth Military Academy, graduating in 1955, and later pursued his education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was a member of the ZBT Fraternity. He proudly served in the United States Army, primarily stationed in France. Upon returning home, he married the late Barbara C. Kahn, his devoted wife of 65 years, who died in September 2024.
A successful entrepreneur and business leader, Ronnie was the principal owner and chairman of several transportation and logistics companies, including Kahn Transportation Company, Central States Thermo King (CSTK), Double Check Company, Tri-State Equipment Company and Velociti Inc.
A passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan, Ronnie was a longtime season ticket holder, having secured his seats on the first day they became available in 1963. He also served as a Chiefs Red Coater, embracing his love for the team and community. In retirement, he became an avid golfer and canasta player, and he spent much of his time traveling the world and visiting Michelin-starred restaurants with Barbara.
Throughout his life, Ronnie remained actively engaged in philanthropy and business leadership. He was a member of the Thermo King and Chevrolet Dealer Advisory Councils, as well as a director of Boatsmen Bank in Butler, Missouri, and Tamarisk Country Club. His dedication to charitable causes was reflected in his service and dedication to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Kansas City), the Mayo Clinic (Phoenix) and Beit T’Shuvah (Los Angeles). In 2023, he and Barbara were honored with the Harriet Award for their longstanding philanthropic efforts.
Ronnie was an unstoppable whirlwind of energy and mischief, delighting in playful antics and sparking joy in everyone he met.
Ronnie is survived by his children, Michael L. Kahn and Shelly Kahn Tessel; his grandchildren, Alexander “Sasha” Kahn, Lucie Tessel, Jonah Tessel and Teddy Tessel; his sisters, Lenita and Marcia (Mel); his brother-in-law, Edwin (Susan); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is survived by a wide circle of cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents and his favorite dog, Bogie.
A private family burial took place at Rose Hill Cemetery on June 6, officiated by Rabbi Kramer of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kahn Family Fund for AI Research and Innovation at the Mayo Clinic, a fund dedicated to Alzheimer research (Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First St. S.W., Rochester, MN 55905 or give.mayoclinic.org), or to Beit T’Shuvah (8831 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034 or beittshuvah.org/support/donate).
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Ronnie’s dedicated healthcare aides — Crystal, Lupe, Karen and Charlotte — his physician, Dr. Christopher Flores, and his nurse Jennifer at Mission Hospice Services for their compassionate care.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.