Hannibal Aquatic Center Renamed to Honor Longtime Employee

Submitted by Mary Lynne Richards, Hannibal Parks and Recreation

The Hannibal Aquatic Center has officially been renamed to honor a longtime employee, Ronny Ferrel. More than 200 people attended a ceremony celebrating the Ronny Ferrel Hannibal Aquatic Center.

Monetary memorials were made in Ronny’s name to fund swim lessons this summer. Ronny’s favorite part of working at the pool was giving swim lessons. He died June 3, 2023, after working at the pool for 55 years.

Ronny started at the pool as a basket-room employee in 1968, then was a lifeguard, eventually serving as pool manager for many years.

Ronny was retired from the Hannibal School District where he taught for 31 years as a special education teacher at the elementary and high school levels. He taught at Pettibone, Stowell, Oakwood, and Veterans Elementary Schools and Hannibal High School from 1976-2007.

Andy Dorian, Central Services Director for Hannibal, worked with Ronny for many years and said his dedication was renowned. “He loved being at the pool, he was here seven days a week.”