Columbia, MO resident, Tony Ritchie, age 69, passed away at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia on December 2, 2024.

Anthony Lee Ritchie was born September 13, 1955 in Columbia, MO.  He was one of four children born to the late Paul and Virginia (White) Ritchie.  Tony graduated from Hickman High School with the class of 1973.  He furthered his education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 1978.  Tony then went on to pursue a long career in the sports medicine and medical equipment industry.  He founded and was CEO of his sports medicine company, Renegade (aka Recovery Zone), where he patented and designed ankle support braces and a rapid response ankle kit for athletic recovery.  Tony was an avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast enjoyed hunting, fishing and skiing when he was able.  He also volunteered as a coach for his kids’ sporting endeavors, including basketball, baseball and softball.  Tony loved big, laughed hard, and had an infectious personality with a heart of gold.

Survivors include his two children, Lauren (Shawn) Spann and Logan Ritchie and his fiancé Caitlyn, both of Aurora, CO; two grandchildren, Tatum and Turner Spann; two sisters, Paula (Tom) Ritchie-Hackley of Fayette, MO and Patricia Ritchie (Brian) Nodine of Hartsburg, MO.  In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by a son, Aaron Ritchie, and a brother, John Ritchie.

A celebration of life will be held privately, at the convenience of the family.

Final arrangements are under the direction of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service of Fayette, MO.  Online condolences may be shared at friemonthfreesefuneralservice.com.