Sonny Rue, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on February 3, 2026, at St. Luke’s East Hospital following a short illness. He was born on March 10, 1936, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Oris and Edna (Odell) Rue, the youngest of three children. A lifelong resident of the Kansas City metropolitan area, Sonny worked for Hansen Dental Lab in Mission, Kansas, for more than 50 years. He began his career as a delivery boy and worked his way up to Lab Manager, continuing to consult through the early 2000s until his retirement.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Oris and Edna, his son Randy Rue; sister, Mary Wilper; beloved first wife and mother of the children, Barbara; and his cherished second wife Marilyn.

Sonny was a charter member of the Early Ford V‑8 Club of Kansas City, Missouri, and a devoted antique car enthusiast. He took great pride in his passion for vintage automobiles and enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie that came with the hobby.

Sonny and his late wife, Marilyn, were long time members of United Methodist of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. In 2009, they traveled to the Holy Land where they were baptized in the Jordan River to reaffirm their faith.

Sonny will be remembered for his love of family, the pride he took in being a grandfather, his dedication to his interests, and his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, which became especially meaningful to him as he grew older. He leaves behind many cherished memories with all who knew and loved him.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”

Psalm 34:4-5

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Hill; his loving daughter, Patricia (Doug) DeGhelder; his grandchildren, Kadi (Gary) Converse, Kelli (Eric) Hicks, Mindy (Justin) Eddleman, David Yewell, Chase (Savannah) Tonkin, and Tate (Leslie) Tonkin; as well as great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, family asks those wishing to honor Sonny’s memory to consider a memorial contribution to a charity or faith‑based organization meaningful to them. Organizations that were important to Sonny include the following: Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired of Kansas City (CCVI).

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 10, 2026 form 10 AM until Time of Service at 11 AM at Park Lawn Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Kansas City.