Ronald Louis Wallace, Sr.

RONALD LOUIS WALLACE, SR., 72, of New Ulm, Texas, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024, in Cortez, Colorado. Ron was born January 3, 1952, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Louis and Margaret (Hrina) Wallace. He grew up and attended schools in the Youngstown area, graduating from Chaney High School in 1969. After graduation, he attended Youngstown State University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and then a master’s degree from Kent State University. Ron married his tenth-grade high school sweetheart Ellan O’Neill, on September 9, 1972, in Youngstown, Ohio at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church. Byzantine Catholic by faith, he was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in New Ulm. Ron had a long and prosperous career in oil and gas. His career began as a boy on the drilling platform with his father on their land in Pennsylvania and continued for decades taking him all over the world to discover and negotiate some of the best oil plays. He loved the travel and considered himself lucky he was able to see so much of the world. He loved being a mentor and being part of the science teams. Hunting and fishing were a staple as well as his gardens. His harvesting and canning of his garden vegetables was well known and you hoped to get one of these items as a Christmas gift. Some of his best memories were with his family and friends at the deer lease or in the wetlands watching the ducks and geese. Ron was an Eagle Scout, a polymath, an intense storyteller, an oil finder, a woodworker, a craftsman, a hunter, a fisherman, a gardener, a beekeeper, an earth scientist, a handyman, an athlete, a husband, a Dad, a Papa, a son, a brother, and a friend. He was much to many and a hero to some. He was a survivor through the toughest of trials and losses. Losing his wife and son broke his heart but he found ways to remain steadfast and reminded his family why life, love, and projects were important. He loved his family and friends beyond measure and was a rock for all. Ronald is survived by his daughter Tiffany Wallace and his grandchildren Connor and Catherine of Santa Fe, New Mexico; his daughter Christina Marjanovich, and her husband, Goran, of Katy, Texas; and his son Aaron Wallace (and fur baby Charlie) of Austin, Texas; and numerous other family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife: Ellan Wallace; son: Ronald (Ronnie) Louis Wallace, Jr.; parents: Louis and Margaret Wallace; sister: Karen Muransky; and parents-in-law: John and June O’Neill. Pallbearers are Chris Bradley, Chris Belt, John Tittl, Mike Folger, Bob Lynn, Boyd Handley, Bob Schafer, and Buster Shores. Honorary Pallbearers are Aaron Wallace, Connor Polak, Dale Rinn, and Jesse Hager.