Ronald Dale Estes
Marriages
Billie Jean Calhoun - November 7, 1954
Obituaries
Eagle Valley Enterprise - October 30, 1997
Ronald Dale Estes passed away on Oct. 23, quietly, just as he lived. He was born on November 8, 1929, at his grandparent's home in Springfield, Colo. to Laban and Evelyn (Bindley) Estes. Laban and Evelyn moved to "Uncle Jack" Bindley's farm on upper Brush Creek when Ron was a young child.
Ron started school in the one room school house at the fork of upper Brush Creek Road. He also began to develop his love and respect for the area and its wildlife at this time in his life, particularly the Bighorn Sheep that claimed the road as their yearly butting ground. Ron would have to cross the creek and wade through deep snow on his way to and from school each day the sheep were at 'play'. Ron also attended grade school in Eagle and later in Gypsum. He graduated from Eagle County High School in Gypsum in 19467 where he enjoyed playing football and basketball. After high school, Ron attended Colorado A&M for one year and then served in the U.S. Army for 2 years in an engineering battalion during the Korean War.
After his stint in the Army, Ron returned to Gypsum to help with the family business, the Estes Texaco and Estes Motel that he and his father had built while Ron was in high school. Ron was management the Texaco Station when he married Billie Jean Calhoun on Nov. 7, 1954. Ron continued to run the station for 35 years until his retirement.
In his younger years, Ron and his friends had many adventures in the area while fishing and hunting, which he continued to enjoy throughout his life. Ron grew up living and working on many of the farms int he area and loved helping on the family farm with his son as long as he was able. Ron's lifetime spanned the best times in the valley.
Ron was a member of the American Legion and served on the Gypsum Town Council for a number of years. Ron is survived by his wife, Billie Jean, of Gypsum; his three sons, Randy of John Day, OR; and Chris and Rusty of Gypsum; one grandson; and many friends. He will be sadly missed by all.
