Roll Call Tribute

Ronald Louis Chachere
October 26, 1948 – January 3, 2022

Ronald Louis Chachere was born October 26, 1948 in El Dorado, Arkansas. His father, Clarence “Tex” Wright Chachere, married his mother, Marion Brown Hastie of Motherwell, Scotland. Ron was their first child.

Ron lived in various places during his childhood, as his father made a career with Gulf Oil Company after receiving his engineering degree from Texas A&M University in 1943. Ron’s high school years were spent in Victoria, Texas. He graduated from Victoria High School in 1966. He then attended Texas A&M University. Ron graduated with a degree in Finance in 1970 as a Distinguished Military Student and a proud member of The Corps of Cadets Company A-2. He obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The University of Texas School of Law in 1973. Sorrell, Anderson & Sorrell Law Firm in Corpus Christi hired Ron as an associate attorney immediately after law school. He soon made partner at the Firm. While at Sorrell, Anderson & Sorrell, a client returned to the office and wanted more legal work done by “the same young man.” When asked his name, the client remembered it as “Reynaldo Cherokee.” We have teased Ron about this ever since. A few years into his career, he ventured out and became a solo practitioner specializing in oil and gas, mergers and acquisitions, and banking. He practiced law for over 47 years.

During Ron’s years in Victoria, he met Kathy Kutchka Chachere. They married January 8, 1972 on a clear, starlit night at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Victoria. When he knelt for the service, “HELP” was written on the soles of his shoes; it would be nearly 50 years until the family finally found out that this prank had been done by his brother, John. Ron passed 5 days before Ron and Kathy’s 50th wedding anniversary.

Ron wanted his five grandchildren to always “think outside the box.” His advice was to be the best person you can be and to always make the most of your potential. Above all, he wanted his family to have a happy life!

Ron’s theme song should have been “I Did It My Way.” He was his own man: pragmatic, meticulous, and boldly followed his own conviction. He provided advice and a strong opinion on most matters. He valued loyalty, honor, and honesty as the highest ideals. In matters of principle, he stood like a rock – he couldn’t be intimidated. Ron’s nickname in business was “bulldog.” He earned the respect of many with his integrity, impeccable work ethic, and loyal friendship.

Ron’s two daughters, Katie and Hollie, were his pride and joy. He enjoyed teaching his girls to aim high and shoot straight. He believed the greatest gift to give a child was a wonderful childhood. He introduced them to everything possible and always proudly attended their cheerleading competitions, ballet recitals, piano recitals, etc. It was his honor to walk them down the aisle for their weddings. He introduced them to snow skiing in Colorado, water skiing many summers in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, and horseback riding everywhere they traveled. He even went skydiving with Hollie for her 21st birthday. With his grandchildren, he dressed in a Santa costume every Christmas, wore a tuxedo and a collapsible top hat for tea parties, and dressed as an artist for painting events.

Ron enjoyed parties and dancing. He and Kathy attended numerous New Year’s Eve dances with friends. They practically grew up dancing at Schroeder Hall to “Frauline,” “The Long Black Veil,” and “Matilda.”

Traveling was a passion, particularly in his younger years. He and Kathy traveled thirteen consecutive years to New York City to enjoy Broadway shows and fine restaurants. They traveled throughout the United States and particularly enjoyed the quaintness of the East Coast (Vermont and Maine). Great memories were made in Scotland, London, Paris, countries along the Mediterranean, Caribbean islands, Alaska, and Canada. He hoped to see Cuba one day.

Ron also enjoyed gardening, good scotch, fine cigars, German Chocolate cake, shrimp gumbo, and listening to music from The Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli. Last year, he took up cooking and became quite the chef. And yes, he is related to the Tony Chachere Seasoning family.

Ron’s earthly life ceased January 3, 2022 at the age of 73. He passed at home peacefully in his own bed with his wife beside him. Our Savior and Lord greeted him. He was a wonderful husband, son, father, father-in-law, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the cornerstone of our family.

Ron is survived by his wife, Kathy Kutchka Chachere; daughter Katie Chachere Hester (Texas A&M University Class of 2004) and her husband, Mason Post Hester, their two children, Marion Post Hester and Hudson Hale Hester of Houston, Texas; daughter Hollie Chachere Bowen (Texas A&M University class of 2006) and her husband, Rhett Jeffrey Bowen (Texas A&M University Class of 2006), their three children Blakely Hart Bowen, Zachary Pierce Bowen, and Bradley Rhett Bowen of Austin, Texas; brother John Robert Chachere (Texas A&M University Class of 1973) and his wife, Lou Ellen Chachere of Houston, Texas; sister Deborah Chachere Walker and her late husband, Elmo Kent Walker of Georgetown, Texas; sister Cheryl Chachere Lancaster and her husband, Aaron Lynn Lancaster of Leander, Texas. Ron loved his nieces, nephew, and great niece.

We are at peace with his heavenly promotion and reliving happy memories. The family asks that in honor of Ron, you have a drink of your choice…his was scotch. Then, take the hand of someone you love and make a round on the dance floor. If you would like to share a memory or story with the family, please email kathychachere@icloud.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840. Please designate the Corps of Cadets General Scholarship Fund in memory of Ronald L. Chachere ’70.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4