Roll Call Tribute

Ronald Lewis Lindsey 

January 14, 1945 - December 20, 2023 

On January 14th, 1945, Ronald Lewis Lindsey was born in Bryan, Texas and his parents, Mildred and John V. Lindsey, raised him among family in the communities of Kurten and Reliance, in Brazos County. Ronnie grew strong roots because of these family ties, and this laid a foundation of perseverance that would be present in his life for the next 78 years.

Ronnie’s first stomping ground was in Hallettsville, Texas as his family moved there in 1945. This is where Ronnie made life-long friends, belonged to the First Baptist Church, and excelled in school and athletics. He was an outstanding athlete and an all-star football player. While there were a number of colleges that offered him football scholarships, Ronnie’s choice had already been stamped into his DNA as he eagerly and proudly followed his father’s footsteps to Aggieland – Whoop!

Texas A&M and all things “Aggie” were a way of life for Ronnie, from his first breath till his last. His blood truly ran maroon. At A&M, Ronnie endured rough times in football. The physical demand was so great that perseverance was the most valuable quality upon which he came to rely. Ronnie drew strength from his family ties in those rural communities of his youth. Like those who came before him, Ronnie persevered during hard times, and true to his roots from Brazos County, quitting was never an option. For the next fifty years or more, and on a continuing basis, as the need arose, the remarkable stories and enduring memories of this time in Ronnie’s life would be told in astonishing detail to those of us he held close to him. Ronnie led an active life at the University, he was a fullback from 1963-1966 lettering three years, a member of the distinguished Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and a dedicated student. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and upon graduation in 1968 he was commissioned in the United States Army as an Officer. He remembered this as one of his proudest moments as he was handed his commission papers by family friend, and WWII veteran, Major General J. Earl Rudder.

Ronnie served in the 1st Military Police Corps in Okinawa, Japan. He was in charge of training dogs for military purposes and he traveled into Vietnam for various operations. Ronnie Lindsey ended his military career as a Captain. While in Okinawa, he was introduced and began extensive training in Matsumura Seito Okinawan Karate. This traditional style of karate would become his passion, never quitting - always learning and teaching. He excelled and became world-renowned, as detailed in the book he authored in 2011. He achieved the rank of 10th degree blackbelt, which is the highest rank in the world of Martial Arts, and earned the designation of “Hanshi,” which means he was considered to be a Master of Matsumura Seito Karate. Ronnie had his own organization and had several of his students who also received the designation of Hanshi, including his son Eric Lindsey. Ronnie will always be considered the Grandmaster of this organization.

In 1967, Ronnie married Catherine Haas in Hallettsville, Texas. They would soon move to Bastrop, Texas, where Ronnie was the County Agricultural Agent from 1976-1993. His passion for agriculture was shared through educational activities as he worked tirelessly to support and educate farmers and ranchers, run the 4-H club, work with all the livestock shows and spend countless evenings hosting educational meetings on many topics for the county. After retirement, Ronnie completely filled his time with teaching Karate, publishing a book, supporting the grandkids, attending family gatherings, telling all his stories and enjoying hunting.

Ronnie and Catherine would go on to spend 56 years together creating a family and a home filled with love and laughter. Ronnie was a strong protector of his family. He was a devoted Christian and believed completely in the Lord our Savior. He worked endlessly to help others, make the right decisions, and lead others in every opportunity. He was a true leader in every sense of the word.

Ronald Lindsey left this world on December 20, 2023. His presence, stories, humor, quick wit, strength, and support will be greatly missed by all who know and shared his life. The feeling of having his respect and support encouraged so many to strive to be the absolute best they could be. He changed the lives of countless people. He made people better than they thought they could be. He Made A Difference. His was a life that was fully lived.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents; his oldest son, Brett S. Lindsey, of Bastrop Tx; and his youngest son, Eric S. Lindsey, also of Bastrop TX.

Ronnie leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Catherine Lindsey; his daughter, Carmen Lindsey Klaerner (Bryan) of Bastrop; his daughter-in-law, Tanya Lindsey of Bastrop; his brother Lt. Colonel Jerald G. Lindsey, U.S. Army Ret. (Candy) of Tyler, his sister, Betty Lindsey Spencer (Mike) of Prairie Lea; and his beloved grandchildren Carson Klaerner, Karlie Klaerner and Mason Elijah Lindsey, all of Bastrop. Ronnie also has cousins, nieces, nephews, karate students, fellow veterans and coffee shop buddies, and friends that will dearly miss his presence.