Ronald "Ronnie" Oldham

Ronald Eugene Oldham, 80, passed peacefully in his sleep in the comfort of his home in the early hours of Saturday, April 15, 2023. After an eventful day of working on projects with his grandson, Jay Davis, and eating a requested meal of fried shrimp, fries, and handmade onion rings, Ronnie’s last day on earth was just how he would have wanted it.

Ronnie was born on October 8, 1942, to Evelyn Venita (Long) Oldham and Deckard Neil Oldham at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston, Texas. As a young boy Ronnie spent his days fishing, riding his beloved pony, and annoying his older sister Betty Marie (Oldham) Bass.

As Ronnie grew up, his signature look was a white t-shirt with rolled-up blue jeans. Handsome was synonymous with Ronnie. With his slicked-back hair and ducktails to boot, he was too cool for school. Ronnie attended Spring Branch High School and was one week shy of graduating. In true Ronnie form, he thought he knew more than the teachers (which he probably did) and decided to leave school. He had a passion for cars and school was merely a speedbump.

Ronnie knew his life would never be the same after sliding out from under a car and looking up at Sallye Dee Bennett. Sallye Dee married Ronnie on May 26, 1964. Between the two they had four children. The Oldham bunch included David Leo Knape Jr., Ryan Eugene Oldham, DeeAnna Lorraine (Oldham) Marek, and Amanda Elaine (Oldham) Schroeder. The Oldham family was nothing short of rowdy, quick-witted, and all the qualities of Ronnie and Sallye. Ronnie loved his family and enjoyed coaching their little league baseball and softball teams.

Ronnie was known for his intimidating stature, powerful voice, and uncanny brilliance. A legend in his own right, Ronnie worked in the oil and gas field for over 45 years. He traveled all over the world installing and maintaining gas compressors for notable companies such as Production Operators, Energy Recovery, and Hanover. He was a mentor and teacher to all those who encountered him. As many will tell you, Ronnie was willing to teach you if you were willing to listen. A methodically detailed thinker and ultimate perfectionist, Ronnie could solve any problem. Ronnie was brilliant beyond belief and has touched the lives of so many in the oil and gas industry.

After Ronnie retired from the oil and gas field, it didn't take long before he was working again - Ronnie couldn't stand not working. He quickly started helping at his daughter and son-in-law's local rock yard, LeRoy Schroeder Contractor in Brenham, Texas. Ronnie helped many customers over his 17-year stint, fondly being referred to as "the old man outside".

You could find Ronnie with a cigarette in one hand and a beer in the other on any given day. A thoughtfully coordinated bandana was either tucked in his back pocket or wrapped around his forehead. He always had a witty comment or a facial expression worth a thousand words. As tough as Ronnie appeared to be on the outside, he was actually just a big softy. He was sentimental in the smallest, most impactful ways. There were no bounds for the love that Ronnie offered others.

When Ronnie wasn't working, he loved being at his house. He had a thriving garden with tomatoes and cucumbers. Ronnie always had some sort of project or car he was working on. He enjoyed sitting in his shop or outside shooting the breeze with his family and close friends. He hated the cold weather with a passion. The Oldham house was also filled with the love and laughter of Sallye and Ronnie's 8 grandchildren. A tight-knit bunch with strong personalities, Ronnie loved his family and boasted about them often. He was such a special Grampy, from swinging his grandchildren on their cherished tire swing to building a one-of-a-kind multi-level tree house. He was a staple at his grandchildren's birthday parties, sporting events, and school accomplishments - anything to celebrate his grandchildren, he was there.

Ronnie had many sayings and invaluable information he shared over the years. If you knew Ronnie, you are forever touched by his words of wisdom, his blunt attitude, and more than likely the quiet kindness he spread around but desperately tried so hard to not let others see. Whether you wanted to or not, everyone absolutely took away something from their interactions with Ronnie. His dry sense of humor, sarcasm, and infectious laugh will be greatly missed.

Ronnie leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Sallye Oldham, his children David & Laurie Knape Jr., DeeAnna & Chris Marek, Amanda Schroeder, and honorary son Joe & Elaine Wells. His grandchildren, Jay & Mandy Davis, Raelyn & Harrison Mock, David Knape, Allye Schroeder & Will Grabarschick, Avery Schroeder, Carson Marek, Elliot Marek, and Griffin Marek.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn & Neil Oldham, his sister, Betty Bass, his son Ryan Oldham, and son-in-law Donald Schroeder.

Pallbearers will be David Knape Jr., Joe Wells, Chris Marek, Jay Davis, Harrison Mock, David Mitchell Knape, Will Grabarschick, Carson Marek, Elliot Marek, and Griffin Marek.

Services will be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham, TX 77833 on Sunday, April 23, 2023. Visitation from 8:00 am -1:00 pm with family present from 12:00 - 1:00 pm. Funeral services immediately following at 1:00 pm (live-streaming available) with graveside services after. A celebration of life and last party for Ronnie Oldham will follow at The Oldham residence.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Ronnie's memory by making a monetary donation to Sallye Oldham. Although flowers are greatly appreciated, your support in this way would better serve the family.