Ronald James Barras

Ronald James Barras, 76, passed away on September 23, 2026. He will be remembered as a beloved and cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend—steadfast in faith, brave in service, and kind-hearted in the way he moved through the world with quiet generosity and care for others.

Born November 12, 1949, Ron was the son of Joseph D. and Gussie Marie Barras and was raised in the Beaumont/Port Arthur area. The youngest brother to three sisters—JoAnn Landry, Marilyn Ramsey, and Carol Barras—he grew up surrounded by family and the bonds that would remain central throughout his life. From an early age, his Catholic faith shaped his days and his character. He attended St. James Catholic School, served as an altar boy, sang in the choir, and played guitar at church—offering his gifts with a faithful heart and a spirit that found purpose in devotion. With a faithful heart and spirit that found purpose and devotion in his time as a Third Order Franciscan beyond his deep faith, he cherished every moment spent with his family.He also treasured time with family, including his niece Kelly Adams and nephews Kyle and Kevin, Landry, and he especially enjoyed playing guitar with Kyle and Kevin during his teen years, along with many summers spent at the family camp at Ivanhoe. He later attended Thomas Jefferson High School, where he graduated and took part in the science club, drawn by a lasting interest in science and history.

After high school, Ron joined the United States Navy, serving in communications and operations as a radar operator. His unit operated out of the Military Sealift Command, headquartered in Saigon, South Vietnam, and his duties placed him along heavily contested rivers and waterways where his unit coordinated the transport of troops, ammunition, and vital supplies to front-line forces. He also earned the prestigious designation of “Plank Owner,” serving as an original crew member of the ocean escort ship USS Reasoner (DE-1063) when it was commissioned in Bremerton, Washington, on July 31, 1971. Ron carried that courage and sense of duty with him always, and he remained a proud Navy veteran throughout his life.

Ron graduated from Lamar University in 1973 and built a career rooted in creativity and craft. An artist, graphic designer, and art director, he worked at KFDM TV Channel 6 in Beaumont for many years, serving as art director and valuing both the work and the friendships he formed there. In the mid-1980s through 1992, he continued his work with Channel 6/KFDM. Ron and his wife relocated to Houston, Texas, he started working for SportsCom the division of Home Sports Entertainment (HSE) as a graphic designer. In the 2000s, he became certified as an art teacher and worked with Fort Bend Independent School District, continuing to share his gifts with others through art and learning.

Ron met Anna at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Beaumont, and they were married on May 7, 1988. Together they loved spending vacations hiking outdoors and walking through the beauty of the natural world—an expression of Ron’s adventurous spirit and his appreciation for God’s creation. His faith remained deeply personal and steady; he found comfort in reading his Bible and attending Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church with his family. Padre Pio held a special place in his heart as his favorite saint, and it is especially meaningful to his loved ones that Ron passed away on the feast day of Padre Pio, September 23—a connection his family will forever hold close.

Ron’s life was marked by a creative, hands-on spirit. A skilled carpenter, he enjoyed building, repairing, and creating with his own hands, making shelves, tables, and furniture for his home and for others—lasting reminders of his care, patience, and craftsmanship. He also expressed his love for Jesus through his art, drawing Christian-inspired pictures that reflected what he carried in his heart; each piece was more than a drawing—it was a faithful offering, a quiet testimony, and a gift to those who saw it.

Music was another thread woven through Ron’s life. He enjoyed writing music and playing guitar, and he loved listening to artists such as The Beatles, John Michael Talbot, and Jimi Hendrix, along with many others. He enjoyed watching football and baseball, staying connected with old friends and former coworkers from his years at Channel 6/KFDM, and sharing stories and good memories. He also appreciated simple comforts—a cold Sprite Zero, familiar shows, and time together. He loved reminiscing about the music, television, and good times of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, and he especially enjoyed watching *The Andy Griffith Show* with his family. Ron had a deep appreciation for nature, especially birdwatching, and he loved the beauty of Texas and his country.

Above all, Ron was devoted to his family. He helped care for his grandchildren and treasured the time he spent with them. He kept family traditions alive through food and cooking, sharing some of his favorite spicy dishes, and passing along the warmth of togetherness in everyday moments. He also enjoyed sharing stories of his military experiences with his daughter and grandchildren, offering memories and lessons shaped by service, perseverance, and love.

Ron is survived by his wife of 38 years, Anna Barras; daughter, Jessica Barras; grandchildren, Jonathan Barras, Andrew Barras, Elena Barras, and Emmanuel Barras; niece and her husband, Kelly and Clay Adams; nephews, Kevin Landry, Dwayne and wife Margaret, Doug and wife Melody, and David Romero, Todd Cabra and wife Chrissy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph D. and Gussie Barras; sisters, JoAnn Landry, Marilyn Ramsey, and Carol Barras; and nephew, Kyle Landry and Chad Cabra.

Visitation will be held at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038, on October 12, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a Rosary the same day from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 705 St Theresa Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77498, on October 13, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Final Resting Place will be held at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, on October 13, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.

The family of Ronald James Barras would like to sincerely thank everyone who has shown us love and support during this difficult time. We are grateful for every prayer, phone call, message, visit, kind word, and gesture of support. We are especially thankful to those who knew Ron throughout his life and have shared their memories and stories of him with our family. Knowing how many lives he touched brings us comfort as we mourn his loss. Your kindness and prayers mean more to our family than words can express. They may not be with us in person, but their spirit lives on.