Roger Steven Gammon MD

Dr. Roger Steven Gammon, recently retired interventional cardiologist and former director of the Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Research at Austin Heart, died August 29, 2021, surrounded by family at his home in Austin, Texas. After a brief and courageous battle with cancer, Roger departed this life to meet his Savior. He was 61.

Dr. Gammon was born to James and Sue Gammon on January 31, 1960, in Paola, Kansas, and grew up nearby in the small town of Drexel, Missouri. Roger loved music, as he grew up singing in church, and became a proficient trumpeter. A hard worker who excelled as both a scholar and athlete, Dr. Gammon graduated valedictorian of his high school class in 1978, having lettered in three sports, served as class president, band president and president of the National Honor Society.

Encouraged by a teacher to consider medicine, Dr. Gammon enrolled in a six-year B.A./M.D. program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He moved to Dallas in 1984 and completed his internship and residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital (Southwestern Medical School). Widely regarded as a truly exceptional, natural leader by faculty and fellow residents, Dr. Gammon was selected to serve as chief resident in 1987.

From 1988-1992, Dr. Gammon completed his clinical cardiology fellowship and interventional cardiovascular training fellowship at Duke University Medical Center, distinguishing himself as an incredibly skilled, rising star in the art of critical care, research and saving lives. It was during his time at Duke that he met his wife, Laura, who was a nurse in the Cardiac Intensive Care unit.

The couple moved to Austin in 1992 after Dr. Gammon was recruited by Dr. George Rodgers to join the private cardiology practice of Austin Heart Associates. Within one year, he was acknowledged in the cardiology community as the “go to expert” for coronary and vascular intervention. Always calm, welcoming and confident, Dr. Gammon was a “cardiologist’s cardiologist”. After Austin Heart Associates and Austin Cardiology Consultants merged in 1994, Dr. Gammon became the director of cardiology research for the new Austin Heart, developing a program unrivaled in private practice.

Outside his prolific career, Dr. Gammon was an outdoor enthusiast who cherished family, education and adventure, traveling to more than a dozen countries with Laura and his children. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and farming at his ranch, where he hosted bird hunts for friends and huge family reunions at Thanksgiving. He loved bringing his family to the local Baptist church on Sundays. At home in Austin, Dr. Gammon was a college football fan and proud witness of his childrens’ sporting events, choir concerts, and intellectual pursuits. His greatest joy in life was his family.

Dr. Gammon is survived by his mother Sue; brothers Alan and Randy; wife Laura; five children: Austin, Calvin, Arielle, Alex and Joshua; and three grandchildren.

Dr. Gammon was an outstanding physician whose research and work saved thousands of lives. He was a kind, generous, funny man dearly loved and respected by his colleagues, patients, family and friends.

A special tribute to his life and legacy can be found at: In Memoriam: Roger Gammon, MD https://sites.duke.edu/thepulse/?s=Roger+gammon&submit=

All are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Riverbend Church (Home for Hope) at 4214 N. Capital of Texas Highway in Austin. Dr. John Simpson will present a eulogy, while Sam Crosby of San Saba First Baptist Church will officiate a service in his honor. We ask that people wear masks in order to protect the health and safety of all who will gather.