BEYER RONALD FRANK

COL Ronald "Ron" Frank Beyer was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 04/23/2026 at the age of 83.1
Pflugerville, TX
Flight Class 69-20
Date of Birth 03/19/1943
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with C/1/9 CAV 1 CAV in 70-71
Call sign in Vietnam CAVALIER WHITE
This information was provided by Obit

More detail on this person: Ronald Beyer Obituary Obituary published on Legacy.com by Beck Funeral Home in Pflugerville on Apr. 29, 2026. Ronald Frank Beyer, beloved husband, father, grandfather and US Army veteran, passed away on April 23, 2026, in Pflugerville, Texas, at the age of 83. Colonel Beyer was born on March 19, 1943, in Abilene, Texas and graduated from Wylie High School. From an early age, he demonstrated the qualities that would define him throughout his life-intelligence, courage, and genuine friendliness that put others at ease. He carried himself with quiet confidence and treated people with respect, whether in moments of importance or in everyday encounters. A man of faith, Ron looked to his beliefs for guidance and strength, grounding his life in the values of integrity, duty, humility, and care for others. Ron was a proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Class of 1965, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and made lifelong friends as a member of the Corps of Cadets. His time at Texas A&M helped shape his lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and discipline. He continued his education with determination and purpose, earning master's degrees from Webster University, Salve Regina College, and the United States Naval War College. His pursuit of higher education reflected both his intellectual curiosity and his belief that growth and learning were lifelong responsibilities. He approached every opportunity with preparation and seriousness, setting a standard of excellence in all he undertook. Ron entered the United States Army service on September 11, 1967, beginning a distinguished military career defined by dedication and professionalism. He was commissioned as an officer through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, on July 22, 1968. He was a graduate of the Rotary Wing Aviation Course, of the Army's Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Airborne School, Ranger Course, Command and General Staff College and the Naval War College. Rising to the rank of Colonel, he served his country with honor, dedication, and professionalism. Over the course of his military career, Ron held positions of significant responsibility that required sound judgment, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment. To name a few, these included platoon leader (201st Aviation Co Camp Humphreys), troop commander (Troop C, 7/17th Cav 6th Cav Brigade), battalion commander (3d Bn, 48th Infantry) and Readiness Group Brigade Commander, 5th Army. He was also a highly decorated soldier. His commendations included the Silver Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal -5, Meritorious Service Metal-2, Air Medal-34, Air Medal with Valor-3D, Army Commendation Medal-5, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal-5, Army Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Master Aviator Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab. He earned the respect and trust of those who served with him, leading through consistency, competence, and integrity. His calm, thoughtful approach to leadership and his devotion to duty left a lasting impression on colleagues and subordinates alike. His military service remained one of the great sources of pride in his life. On November 27, 1970, he married his wife of over 55 years, Belinda Menking, in Hawaii while on leave from Vietnam. Following their honeymoon, Ron returned to Vietnam and Belinda returned to Texas, a new bride and Army wife. They were reunited months later and created a loving partnership that brought two sons and eventually two granddaughters and saw them assigned to duty stations in Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Kansas, Missouri, Rhode Island, and Germany and Korea. Ron served a tour in Vietnam, a tour like no other, which to this day formed a brotherhood like no other. Following his retirement from the Army, Ron began a second career in the highway safety industry, where he continued to serve the public in a different but equally meaningful way. He also served his community as a member the Pflugerville City Council and Pflugerville Planning and Zoning Commission. He brought the same discipline, professionalism, and sense of purpose to this work as he had to his military service. Through his efforts, he contributed to improving safety and protecting the lives of others, extending his legacy of service well beyond his years in uniform. Outside of his professional life, Ron found joy in the simple and enduring pleasures that reflected his Texas roots and personal values. He was a devoted supporter of Texas A&M football, following the Aggies with enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty. Aggie football weekends were a special time spent tailgating and celebrating or commiserating with his Aggie buddies and their families, a brotherhood he cherished. He also took great satisfaction in raising cattle, an endeavor that connected him to the land and to a tradition of hard work, patience, and stewardship. These pursuits were more than hobbies-they were expressions of who he was and what he valued. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin Frank Beyer and Georgia Vada Yates Beyer; in-laws Robert and Dolly Newton and Melvin Menking; his brothers, Joseph Erwin Beyer, Eugene Albert Beyer, and Kenneth Dale Beyer; and his sister, Barbara Jean Kirby and brother-in-law Brian Zigal. He is survived by his sister, Rita Carol Bozarth (Bo), sister-in-law Debbie Zigal and brother-in-law Myron Menking (Laura) as well as his many nieces and nephews and their families. Above all, Ron was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Belinda M. Beyer; his sons, Ronald Blake Beyer (Jim O'Day) and Robert Braxton Beyer; and his beloved granddaughters, Solana Beyer and Sienna Beyer. His family was central to his life, and he took great pride in them. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and steadfast devotion that will continue to guide and inspire those who knew him best. Pallbearers will be Ron's sons, Blake Beyer and Braxton Beyer; his son-in-law, James O'Day, Jr.; his nephews, Alan Bozarth, Randall Bozarth, Dennis Kirby, and Barry Kirby; and his lifelong friend, Jerry Ford. Ron's life was one of purpose, quiet accomplishment, and enduring impact. He was a faithful Christian, a respected soldier, and a man who lived with integrity in all things. He met life's challenges with courage and dignity, and he celebrated its blessings with gratitude. Those who knew him will remember his warm manner, his thoughtful nature, and the steady, dependable presence he brought into their lives. He will be deeply missed, but his example will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Ron's family would like to thank his caregivers Marvelia and Mary, hospice care team Karen, Danny, and Brittany. To Guillermo and his family for his loyalty to Ron and Belinda all these many years. A special thanks to the Hood family who assisted and helped Belinda whenever needed, day or night. And to all the friends who always cared about his well-being, thank you!

This information was last updated 05/01/2026

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Date posted on this site: 07/15/2026


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