Ronny Lee Bertrand, 78, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, at his home with his family.

He was born Dec. 31, 1937, in Cape Girardeau to Frank C. and Zetta C. Essner Bertrand.

He and Carolyn Jean Graden were married Saturday, Aug. 25, 1962, at Old St. Vincent's Church in Cape Girardeau.

He worked at Hampton's Bakery 22 years, Bunny Bread 12 years and Southeast Missouri State University 18 years.

He was a member of Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church.

He served in the Missouri National Guard Reserves.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Carolyn Jean Bertrand of Cape Girardeau; a son, Matthew R. Bertrand (girlfriend, Christine Elgert) of Creve Coeur, Missouri; the "love of his life," his black tomcat, Sweetie; two brothers, John (Marge) Bertrand and Harry (Dorothy) Bertrand of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Lorraine Eaton of Cape Girardeau; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bill, Bob and Frank Bertrand; and sisters, Georgia Haman, Shirley Schmidt and Charlotte Dunn.

Friends may call from 4 to 7:30 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Allan Saunders officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Old St. Vincent's Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.