Robert Dempsey Ralston

Robert Dempsey Ralston, age 87, passed away on December 28, 2025. Robert was born on September 9, 1938, in Afton, Oklahoma. He met the love of his life, Shirley, while they attended PSJA High School in the Rio Grande Valley. They married on June 1, 1957. After a few years in the navy, Robert attended The University of Texas and graduated with a law degree in 1970. He enjoyed practicing law for many years. After retiring, he and Shirley moved to Pflugerville and spent a few years substitute teaching. Students could see them walking hand in hand through the halls of the school, and they later became fondly known as “The Grandparents of Hendrickson High School.”

Robert loved spending time with family: his two daughters and sons-in-law, four grandsons, one granddaughter, and ten great grandchildren. He and Shirley spent many hours attending games (mostly baseball) and taking the whole family on memorable vacations.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dempsey and Roberta Ralston, his sister, Connie Myers, his wife, Shirley, of almost 66 years, and his granddaughter, Kristen Nicole Ralston. He is survived by his daughters Lisa Kelso (Charles) and Tere Tidwell (Jeff); grandsons Landan (Bailey), Kevin (Whitney), Blake (Amanda), and Chandler (Allison); great grandchildren Anderson, Audrey, Charles Ward, Hudson, Landry, Weston, Wyatt, Walker, Winsley, and Collins, and many family and friends who will miss him greatly.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to The Oaks Gracious Retirement Living and his care team, Comfort Squad Caregivers. There will not be a formal funeral service; instead, the family will hold a private celebration of Robert’s life at a later date. We love you forever and ever, Dad (Papa).