Ronald Edward Shifflett

Ron Shifflett passed away at home in Burton, Texas on December 2, 2024.

Born in Rosenberg, Texas to Harold Gene “Jack” and Elizabeth “Betty” Shifflett. Ron’s childhood was not an easy one, but it was a defining one- defining the amazing man that he became. He was a genuine man with a heart of gold.

Ron’s life spanned across several cities in Texas ranging from Stafford, Houston, Gordon, Victoria, Columbus, and Burton. Ron worked in the oil field for more than fifty years. His hard work spread across small family-owned companies to the majors. His career ended at Tryton Tools. He was known for his “on the job experience” and his dedication and loyalty to his customers and peers. He was an active member of the Austin Chalk API.

Ron was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He never found a golf course that he didn’t like. On the weekends, he loved to grill steaks, polishing his 2003 Mach 1 Mustang, or watching the Gordon High School Longhorns 6-man football or the University of Texas Longhorns. For those Aggies who owe him money, he is watching you!

Ron was a quiet man of few words, but his words were honest, heartfelt, and thoughtful. You could never say he was late. Ron loved to say “If you are 5 minutes early, you are 10 minutes late” while driving five sides of the triangle to get there. 

Ron would only use a “cup towel” instead of a napkin at all family dinners; however, this steak and potato man got some “culture” moving from just cucumber salad to Cesar salad to his favorite, caprese salad. 

Some things you may not know about Ron. He was an avid music fan of all genres. His all-time favorites ranged from the Animals, the Lovin Spoonful, ZZ Top, and George Strait. We can’t forget his love for polka especially Molly B. Ron served on the Colorado County Sheriff Posse. Ron was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Texas State Rifle Association, NRA, and Mustang Club of America. He claimed to be a glorified pet sitter, but recently received a title change to Domesticated Livestock Manager. He loved his Bullet the Wonder Dog while tolerating the others. Peach Crown was his favorite flavor, and all things John Dutton, Charlie Harper, and Ray Romano!

In 2016, Blake and Lindsay gave him the biggest gift, the birth of their daughter Bryn. Ron watched Blake enter fatherhood with pride. As Blake rose through the ranks to a Captain at the Fulshear Fire Department, Ron proudly wore a Fulshear Fire Department ballcap to honor Blake.

As Bryn grew up, Ron loved going to her softball games where he would sit behind home plate. He would yell “Hit it Bryn like you live!” He yelled that a lot because Bryn can hit that ball. He loved his time with Bryn especially on a recent trip to Lake Amistad to celebrate Ron’s 70th birthday. He looked forward to the day when he could fish with Blake and Bryn.

Since 2019, Ron battled breast cancer. Despite spreading to his vertebrae, his recent scans were stable. Thank you to everyone who provided support to Ron during these trying years, especially Diane Shifflett. You provided real world experience that served as a source of comfort that he needed.

Ron is survived by: Susan DeCell Shifflett (wife), Blake (son) and Lindsay Shifflett and his granddaughter, Bryn Shifflett, and Diane Shifflett (mother of Blake), Marilyn DeCell (mother in law), Denise and Jorgen Schaffer (sister-in-law), Preston DeCell (nephew) and Tony and Roni Green (cousin that he loved like a brother), and all of his extended family and friends spread across Texas.

Ron is preceded in death by: Harold Gene and Betty Shifflett (parents), Michael Brown (brother), Alonzo DeCell (father-in-law), Brad DeCell (brother-in-law), Steve DeCell (brother-in-law), and Darrell Rau (brother-in-law).

Ron stated recently, “I don’t want a funeral, memorial service, or a celebration of life. If someone calls just tell them, I am no longer around.” 

A BarBQ in Ron’s honor will be held on January 25, 2025 from 1pm to 4 pm at Brandt Hall: Latium Wesley Greenvine Volunteer Fire Department, 12255 FM 389, Burton, Texas 77835.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to: Columbus Little League: PO Box 251, Columbus, TX 78934, or Austin Chalk API: PO Box 1601, Giddings, TX 78942.

Finally, in the words of George Strait, “And my heart is sinking like the setting sun. Setting on the things I wish I’d done. Oh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say. This is where the cowboy rides away. Oh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say. This is where the cowboy rides away.”