William "Ron" Ronald Martis

William Ronald Martis, a proud member of the Greatest Generation, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on Veterans Day, November 11, 1933, in Oakland, California, Ron lived a life full of adventure, resilience, and love. He was born at the tail end of the Great Depression and grew up during World War II, a time that profoundly shaped his character and spirit.

In his early years, Ron lived on a farm in Nebraska, where the challenges were abundant —no indoor plumbing, a one-room schoolhouse, and long hours caring for farm animals. When not working, Ron found solace in books, immersing himself in adventure stories about pirates, Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, and Jack London.

As a teenager, Ron moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he graduated from Omaha Technical High School and excelled as a member of the wrestling team. At 12, Ron’s first job was at a local grocery store. By 16, he enrolled at the University of Nebraska, where he continued his wrestling career, earning the title of "Best Freshman Wrestler" and joining the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

At 18, Ron was drafted for the Korean War and enlisted in the Army, serving as a Military Policeman. His high school German skills led to a three-year assignment in Heidelberg, Germany, where he forged lifelong memories. Ron's first and only cruise was a military troop ship bound for Europe, an experience he fondly recounted in later years.

After returning from the war, Ron completed his degree at the University of Nebraska and moved to San Francisco to begin his business career with Stauffer Chemical Company. He spent his entire professional life with the company, living in multiple cities across the U.S. and abroad. One of his proudest achievements was serving as Director General of Industrias Químicas de México in Mexico City.

In 1962, while living in San Francisco, Ron met the love of his life, Nancy Newton. They married and quickly built a family raising five children: Mark Christopher (Pamela) of Redondo Beach, CA, Mary Cathleen of San Francisco, CA, Matthew Scott of San Diego, CA, John Andrew (Nicole) of Austin, TX, and Joseph Paul (Debbie) of Byfield, MA. Their family grew to include beloved grandchildren: Tyler (Jillian), Megan (John Eddins), Andrew, Lucas, Zoe, Andreas, Bryce, and Clay, and great-grandson Miles, whom Ron was overjoyed to meet in December 2023.

After the loss of Nancy to leukemia in 1999, Ron relocated to Austin, Texas, in 2008, to be near his family and enjoy time with his grandkids. In Austin, he met Patricia McNamara at a water-aerobics class, and they shared over 10 years of love and companionship. Tricia’s family embraced him as their own, and Ron became a cherished member, including Kendall and David Courtney, Courtney and Keith Langford, Susanna and Marty Butler, and grandchildren Sarah Courtney, Huck Langford, and Clark and Sally Butler. Ron also adored their dogs.

Throughout his life, Ron remained committed to fitness and thoroughly enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports—whether it was football, hockey, baseball, soccer, track, field hockey, choir, dance, or halftime shows with the McCallum High School band. He was known for his unwavering support, always cheering with the enthusiasm of a proud grandparent. Ron also had a creative side, taking art lessons at Laguna Gloria and becoming a woodcarver and printmaker.

A cherished tradition in Ron’s life was his annual “Guys Trip” to La Paz, Mexico, to celebrate his Veterans Day birthday. For over 25 years, he traveled with friends and family, including a memorable 90th birthday trip with his grandson, Andreas, where he introduced him to deep-sea fishing, shared his love of Mexican culture, and created unforgettable memories.

Ron’s life was a testament to living fully and with purpose. He passed away due to “too many birthdays,” not from inactivity—he lived each day with intention. He was a hero to many, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Ron leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and laughter. A celebration of his life will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Dr, Austin, TX 78731, on Sunday, February 23, at 1:00 p.m.