Ron Rogers

Born September 23, 1936, in Bryan, Texas, Ron was the son of Charlie and DeLevah Ross Rogers. He and his family, including his sister Leah Frances, later moved to Austin, where Ron graduated from Austin High School. He went on to earn his degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a proud member of the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

A lifelong Texas Longhorn fan, Ron held season tickets to Longhorn football, basketball, and baseball for decades. His connection to the University of Texas ran deep. Ron began his broadcasting career as a student at UT, working at KTBC AM-FM-TV. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, he shared the broadcast booth calling play-by-play for Texas Longhorn baseball alongside his legendary partner and friend, Bill Little.

Ron’s career in radio was equally distinguished. From his early leadership roles as Program Director at WACO, Sales Manager at KNOW, and General Manager at KOKE, to his later work as president and co-owner of influential stations including KLAW, KVET, and KASE, Ron helped shape station formats, mentor and develop talent, and guide business strategy across multiple markets.

Known affectionately as “Coach” by his staff, Ron had a rare ability to build strong teams and create a winning culture in radio. His contributions earned him wide recognition throughout the industry. He served as president of the Texas Association of Broadcasters in 1983 and was named Broadcaster of the Year in 1991. In recognition of his lifetime achievements, Ron was inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2004 and later received one of the format’s highest honors when he was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame by the Country Radio Broadcasters in 2012.

Public service and the Austin community were priorities for Ron. He championed and/or led many charitable and civic organizations including the Rotary Club of Austin, the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Shivers Cancer Center and the Headliners Club of Austin.

Ron was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was known by many titles—Ron, Ronnie, C. Ronald, Mr. Rogers, Dad, Papa, and Coach—and embraced each with pride. For years he maintained a standing Tuesday tennis foursome at Westwood Country Club. Golf later became a lifelong passion, accompanied by countless stories and cherished friendships forged on the course.

Ron’s love of 33 years was his wife Pam. He affectionately called her “little blonde girl” and he was the center of her life. There was an “I love you” shared between them every night that will be so missed.

Ron is survived by his wife, Pam Rogers; daughters Kim Murray (Dave) of Austin, Texas, Karon Shouse of San Antonio, Texas, and Angela Godby (Carlos) of Alexandria, Virginia; sons Morris Hasting (Dana) of Houston, Texas, and Brad Herries (Katie) of Austin, Texas; and grandchildren Caroline Murray, Margaret Murray, Corbin Shouse (Acacia), Kathryn Reichel (Marc), Adele Godby, Morgan Hasting, Davis Hasting, Hannah Herries and Hunter Herries; nephews Wade Harris, David Harris and Glenn Harris. He is also survived by very special family friends Jordan Carney, Keean Burlison and Kai Ludwig.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the Austin Country Club from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Ron’s legacy lives on through the industry he helped shape and the family, friends, and colleagues who were fortunate to know him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (www.firstskinfoundation.org), or The Bill Little Legacy Scholarship Fund at the Texas Cheer and Pom Scholarships Program, (https://give.utexas.edu/campaigns/62613/donations/new?a=11812153) or a charity of your choice.