Roll Call Tribute

Dr. Ronald D. Salmon

December 19, 1936 - March 29, 2022

Dr. Ronald D. Salmon of Ruston, LA passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, after a brief illness. Ron was born December 19, 1936, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

He is preceded in death by parents, Hubert and Kathryn Salmon; beloved wife, Shirley Salmon; and son-in-law, Price Barker.

Ron is survived by daughters, Diana (Ben) Humphries and Cynthia Barker; and four grandchildren, Kelly (Johnathon) Futrell, Molly Humphries, Maggie Humphries, Matt Barker; and three greatgrandchildren, Rosalie, Daniel and David Futrell. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Joyce (Gary) Wright; nephew, Steve (Lisa) Wright; niece, Karen de la Vega; first cousin, Jim (Martha) Salmon; as well as a great niece and great nephews.

Ron loved to reminisce and was fond of remembering the day he asked Shirley to marry him. He asked, “When are you going to marry me?” and she replied, “I don’t think I am.” He finally convinced her to be his wife and they were married for 50 years.

In their later years together, they enjoyed ballroom dancing, spoiling their grandchildren, and attending every activity in which the four grandchildren were involved.

Early in their marriage, Ron and Shirley lived in several places as Ron pursued his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in mathematics. After spending time in College Station, Texas, Ruston, Louisiana, and Lincoln, Nebraska, they settled again in Ruston in 1971 where he spent most of his teaching career at Louisiana Tech University and later at McMurry University, from which he retired.

Ron liked to play the stock market and watch all sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals. Ron also loved to talk and sing, and he never met a stranger. He could often be found at local coffee shops, holding court with his friends and former colleagues from the Louisiana Tech Math Department.

Education was a very important part of his life, and he and Shirley loved spending time at the library. Should you wish to make a memorial, please consider giving to the Lincoln Parish Library at 910 North Trenton in Ruston, or to the organization of your choice.