Ronnie Schilling

Ronnie (Ron) Schilling of Slaton passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Friday, June 21, 2019.

Rosary Services will be Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 6:30 PM in Englunds Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Slaton. Interment will follow in Englewood Cemetery in Slaton. Arrangements are under the direction of Englunds Funeral Service in Slaton.

Ronnie was born December 20, 1934, in Slaton to Herman Frank Schilling and Mary Catherine (Kitten) Schilling. He attended grade school at St. Joseph School in Slaton and graduated from Slaton High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. He married Elsie Marie Schacher on November 7, 1961 in Nazareth’s Holy Family Catholic Church. Ronnie lived his entire life on the same farm southwest of Slaton as a cotton farmer.

Ronnie was named Farmer of the Year for the Slaton area in 1970. He was also awarded for outstanding achievement in conserving soil and water resources representing Texas in the 1987 National Soil and Water Conservation Awards Program. Following his retirement from full-time farming, Ronnie really enjoyed helping out his son Kent including picking up tarps from Slaton Co-op Gin and delivering dinner to Kent and his team on various farms. When he wasn’t running farm errands, Ronnie could often be found tinkering in his shop. He could fix or make just about anything and was particularly adept at iron work that could last forever. Ronnie appreciated being a member of the large Schilling family and he loved spending time with his own family in a room full of laughter. Ronnie was so proud of each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and fully supported and encouraged them in their work and activities. 

Known for his big infectious smile, Ronnie never met a stranger and had a servant’s heart. He was involved in the local farming and church communities in numerous capacities including as a member of the Slaton Co-op Gin Board, Water Conservation District Board, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus. He and his wife Elsie touched many lives as they visited and delivered the Eucharist to the homebound for 39 years.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and five brothers. Ronnie is survived by his wife, Elsie of the home, four children and their spouses: Kent Schilling of Lubbock, Michele (Robert) Houston of Slaton, Rhonda (Andy) Busek of Sweet Home, Oregon and Dr. Tammy Schilling of Ruston, Louisiana, four grandchildren: Brandon (Jennifer) Houston of Lubbock, Matthew (Adrienne) Houston of Midland, Dakota Busek of Eugene, Oregon, and Rachel Busek of Sweet Home, Oregon, three great grandsons: Cayden Potter and Koltyn Houston of Midland and Cash Houston of Lubbock, one brother Joe (Eunice) Schilling of Amarillo, one sister Joleen (Mike) Walsh of Canyon, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests Memorial contributions may be sent to the Nurturing Center (3303 66th St, Lubbock, TX 79413) and Hospice of Lubbock (3702 21st St, Lubbock, TX 79413).

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