Ronald Lee McLauchlin, 76, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025 at his home in La Marque, Texas. He was born on July 28, 1948 in Fort Benning, Georgia to Major and Charlene McLauchlin.

Growing up in a military family, Ronnie lived in both Italy and Germany before moving back to the states and settling in Galveston County. From junior high school on, he spent most of his days in La Marque, Texas, where he established roots and created lifelong friendships that he maintained until his death. There, too, his lifelong love of and passion for music began. Ronnie predominantly played the drums and sang, but also mastered the keyboard, guitar and trumpet, among several other instruments. He took great pride in doing arrangements for many of the bands he played with, as well as arrangements for musical productions. He was always a well-respected and well-known musician, often called a “musician’s musician”.

After high school, Ronnie joined the United States Army.  He was a Combat Bandsman serving in Dong Tam, Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division, for which he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal. After proudly serving his country, he received an honorable discharge. After his military career, Ronnie attended Alvin Junior College and University of Houston, where he was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa fraternity. During his college career, Ronnie received many citations and awards, especially for outstanding musician. These recognitions include Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges, Alvin Junior College Outstanding Musician, and the House of Representatives Certificate of Citation for Outstanding Musician from the State of Texas.

Ronnie’s music career lasted an impressive 60 years. He played in more bands than even he could count throughout his progressional career. For over 8 years, he booked his band playing on numerous cruise ships. He later taught drum, keyboard and guitar lessons, and even did repairs on musical instruments at several local music shops. Ronnie always had such a passion for life. His greatest loves were God, family, music, nature, travel and animals, especially his beloved dog, Ringo. His love for adventure, travel and meeting new people sparked his interest in nature, anything outdoors and taking cruises. He was an avid fisherman, loved camping, river rafting, hiking and riding bikes, both motorcycle and bicycle.

With all of his accolades, trophies and successes, I’m confident if you were able to ask him today what was his biggest accomplishment in life, he would say his daughters.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine McLauchlin; daughters, Charline Sifuentes (Jason) and Michael Lynn Outlaw; stepdaughter, Brittney Calderon; grandchildren, Nikki (Donald) and Sarah (Emy) Neidlinger, Natalie and Mia Duran, Norah Ham, Bradley Arms, Miles and Josiah Sifuentes, and Samantha Outlaw; great grandchildren, Faye and Rose Hinkle; brother, Curtis McLauchlin; brother-in-law, Curtis Ammons and nieces, Roni Lynn (Tom) and Ashley Smith (Jason).

Ronnie is preceded in death by both of his parents, Charlene and Major McLauchlin; aunt, Barbara Kelso; sister, Pennie Newton; nephew, Kevin Newton and stepson, Brandon Calderon.

A private family visitation will be on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 2:00pm-3:00pm with the public funeral service starting at 4:00pm at the Crowder Funeral Home in La Marque. Chaplain Jermine Ruffin to officiate.