Ron Helton Obituary – Austin American-Statesman

Rondald Bailey Helton, 88, passed away on December 10, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Ron was born in Santa Anna, Coleman County, Texas to Velma and Bailey Helton. Around age 5, Ron watched his dad and a carpenter draw a sketch of an addition to the family home with a stick in the dirt. This experience sparked an interest that eventually led to his dedication to architecture. Ron attended UT and Texas Tech before moving to Abilene to complete his apprenticeship with the architectural firm of Tittle, Luther and Loving. He was a lifelong member of the American Institute of Architects.

In 1961, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Cox, and they began their life together in Abilene where their sons, Scott and Paul, were born. The family moved to Austin in 1969 where Ron worked as an architect and planning advisor for the University of Texas. He was involved in the master planning of the UT Medical School in Galveston, and later commercial projects included the clubhouse for Onion Creek Country Club, the renovation and expansion of Lakeway Inn and Marina, and master plans and new facilities for the Texas Schools for the Blind and Deaf.

In 1976, Ron began independently focusing on custom residential design. His greatest pleasure came in creating innovative, beautiful spaces to meet his clients’ needs and budgets. He had many repeat clients and continued to work on architectural projects until his recent health issues and passing.

Ron and Sandra celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary just before her passing in 2021. Over the years, Ron loved time spent with his family, work, tennis friends, and golf buddies. Later in life, he enjoyed cheering for his grandsons’ sporting events at Lake Travis H.S. and Baylor University. He faithfully followed UT Athletics and PGA golf, and enjoyed many fishing trips to the coast with Scott and Paul. He was a true friend to many and will be dearly missed. Ron is survived by his sons Scott (wife Courtney) and Paul, grandsons Blake and Cole, brother Gale (wife Linda), and many members of the Cox and Helton families.

A celebration of Ron’s life will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Dr, Austin, TX 78731. Our minds still talk to you. Our hearts still look for you. But our souls know you are at peace.