Ronald “Ron” James Gillen

Ron Gillen went home to be with the Lord on January 13, 2024 — his final earthside residence being the piney woods near Livingston, Texas.

Ron was born on April 25, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio to Richard and Winifred “Wynne” Gillen. Born the third child, he joined twin older siblings that were less than a year old and would soon get to be the older brother of four younger siblings. He grew up as an honorary twin with his sister Amy (both redheads and born a year apart) and with oodles of individuality and character. As a young and fiery boy, Ron was embraced by everyone for his wit, charm, and ability to make you laugh. He was proud to be one of the seven children in what we called ourselves: the “Gillen Gang”. Ron loved old cars, classic rock, all types of movies, spending time with his family and friends with a cocktail in hand, the Green Bay Packers, a challenge of any kind, and an audience since he was a self-proclaimed jokester and comedian.

He attended Stephen F. Austin University where he majored in Forestry. He always had a love of nature — learning about it and being in it. He remained in awe of God’s creations. His favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors were gardening, camping, and fishing.

He was a general contractor by trade. He started his career building homes and eventually became a superintendent of commercial building projects (primarily daycare centers, restaurants, and dialysis centers) throughout Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and the Midwest. His most local claim to fame is the Olive Garden on I-45 in Pasadena — a building we all point out to this day as “Ron’s Olive Garden”. Later, Ron turned his love of carpentry and woodworking into creating beautiful trim work, architectural features, and making cross art pieces.

Ron married the love of his life, Brenda, in June of 1998. They truly lived, laughed, and loved! They enjoyed life in their fifth wheel RV while Ron took contracting jobs all over the United States. They eventually put down roots and bought a house in Huntsville, Alabama. Sadly, Brenda passed away in 2015. Ron missed his gal terribly but found solace in knowing she was in Heaven and that one day he would get to spend eternity with her.

Ron knew God and had a strong faith. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene and would find a church close by to join as he lived his life in his RV. He loved meeting the new pastors and, not surprisingly, would always break the ice by telling them a joke.

Ron was stepfather to two grown children, Amy and Daniel, an honorary foster father to Kayleigh, and a grandfather to four grandchildren who lovingly called him “Papa Ron”. He was also a devoted dog dad to numerous four-legged fur babies. He was known to be sentimental and was quick to shed a tear when sharing a memory or sentiment. He loved hard.

Ron is preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Gillen, his parents, Dick and Wynne Gillen, and his brother-in-law, Dennis Lewis.

He is survived by his siblings, Paul Gillen, Mary Lewis, Amy Lewis (and her husband, Nate), Dave Gillen (and his wife, Kathy), Sandy Cantu (and her husband, Rick), and Peggy Nelson; his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; his great grandchild, great nieces, and nephews; and his many close friends.

There will be a Memorial Service at: Crowder Funeral Home, 111 W. Medical Center Blvd., Webster, TX 77598. Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm

For those wishing to make a charitable donation in his honor, please contribute to the charity of your choice or to Bay Area Habitat for Humanity Donation Form (donorperfect.net)