Ron E. Gillett Sr.

Born May 29, 1938, to Sam B. and Lucille Collinsworth Gillett, Ron grew up in the Upper Valley with his sister, Marjorie Kelley. He attended El Paso High School, where he was known as a leader, athlete and scholar. He was a standout on the varsity basketball team under Coach Jarvis and was a member of ROTC. He served as president of several academic clubs, was chosen to represent his school at Boys’ State, reflecting the respect he earned from both peers and faculty. He was also a member of the Junior and Senior National Honor Society and graduated with honors. He went on to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was a member of Acacia fraternity and active in ROTC. After graduation, he remained a proud Buff for the rest of his life.

Ron proudly joined the U.S. Army, serving in Greenland in engineering, before returning to Fort Bliss. Back in El Paso, with the help of his best friend, Jonathan Schwartz II, he reconnected with Elizabeth Hughey, who became his wife of 52 years. Together they raised a family while Ron worked at Gillett Chevrolet in Anthony, NM. He later owned and operated Gillett Insurance for more than 30 years before passing the torch to his underwriters, where they still insure the community today under the same name.

In 1986, Ron purchased his father’s popular public golf course, Dos Lagos. His decision was guided by his devotion to family and his desire to provide a retirement life for his parents, who lived just a 9-iron away. He proudly operated it with his eldest son for 29 years. A golf enthusiast and player himself, Ron found great joy in sharing the game with family, friends, and the community.

Active in Rotary International, he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also volunteered for multiple years as a councilor at camp RYLA, mentoring young men. He was a longtime member of the Caballero Club, where he served a term as president. Ron was known in El Paso and the Upper Valley community for his friendships, generosity, and ability to connect with people.

Ron loved to laugh, and sought common ground with everyone he met. Always leading with humor and humility, he made friends everywhere he went. He will be remembered for his devotion to family, friends, and community. Honesty, leadership, stewardship, and integrity were the hallmarks of his long and wonderful life.

We couldn’t be more proud of him. He was an exceptionally good man.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, sister, and wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by his sons, Ron Jr. (Jodi) and Harrison Hughey Gillett; and his loving partner, Cynthia Skevington Bumb.

Graveside Service will be on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Restlawn Memorial Park, 4848 Alps, El Paso, Texas 79904.

Honorary Pallbearers

Jon Schwartz

Jimmy Schwartz

Max Prestridge

Miguel Navarrete

Bobby Kuykendall

Eric Burt

A special thank you to lifelong friend Lulu Lujan, Tender Care Hospice, and his nurse Willie Olmstead.

In lieu of flowers…

El Paso High School Alumni Association

UTEP Basketball

Acacia Fraternity - Colorado Chapter

Ron Gillett Sr. Fund