Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.

Male 1937 - 2011  (74 years)


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  • Name Ronald Peter Mafrige 
    Suffix Sr. 
    Born 4 May 1937  Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died 14 Aug 2011  Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Buried 19 Aug 2011  Memorial Oaks Cemetery - Houston, Texas, USA Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I4338  Cody LeBlanc's Family Tree
    Last Modified 26 Sep 2018 

    Family L.C. Wood-Brown 
    Last Modified 25 Mar 2016 
    Family ID F1717  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBorn - 4 May 1937 - Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDied - 14 Aug 2011 - Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBuried - 19 Aug 2011 - Memorial Oaks Cemetery - Houston, Texas, USA Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 
    Pin Legend  : Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set

  • Photos
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Obituary picture
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Mafrige Rock Dedication 2013
    Mafrige Rock Dedication 2013
    Mafrige Rock Dedication 2013
    Mafrige Rock Dedication 2013
    Mafrige Rock Dedication 2013
    Mafrige Rock Dedication 2013
    Mafrige Rock Dedication 2013
    Mafrige Rock Dedication 2013
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ron Mafrige, Sr. with parents
    Ron Mafrige, Sr. with parents
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    Ronald Peter Mafrige, Sr.
    At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.

  • Notes 
    • Obituary:

      Ronald P. Mafrige passed away peacefully at his home, as he desired, while surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, the 14th of August 2011. Ron lived an incredibly full life that was marked by his devotion to family, his loyalty to friends, and his generosity to numerous charities and young people pursuing an education. Ron was the personification of his alma mater's mantra - "The measure of a life is its service."

      Ron attended San Marcos Baptist Academy, from 4th grade until he graduated in 1955. He was active in the athletic program, but was particularly talented at football, being selected to the All State team as a fullback, and was recently inducted in the Academy's Athletic Hall of Fame. During his senior year, Ron was the commander of Company C and led them to the designation of "Honor Company" for that year. Ron continued to support the Academy, serving on the Board of Alumni for many years.

      He graduated from Sam Houston University in 1960 with a BBA in Business Administration. When he joined Delta Tau Delta, little could he have known that he was forming what would become lifelong bonds of friendship with his "Delt brothers" seeing each other numerous times every year for reunions, fishing trips, and fellowship to support one another and tell tall tales.

      The admiration and respect for the military began at San Marcos Academy and continued throughout Ron's life. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant at Sam Houston State University and after graduating served Active Duty at Fort Sam Houston in 1961. He remained in the US Army Reserves for the next 14 years, achieving the rank of Major. While at Fort Sam Houston, Ron trained Green Berets to become medics before being sent to Vietnam. Ron loved military history and was proud not only of his own military service, but also of the friendships he established with many of our country's heroes and the organizations that support them, including the Wounded Warriors and Lone Survivor Foundation.

      Ron was a successful entrepreneur. His first job after college was as a salesman for Houston Natural Gas, where he promoted the newly invented gas grill. It was there that he met his late wife Linda. They shared a beautiful marriage for nearly 40 years until she passed away in 2003. After leaving Houston Natural Gas, Ron embarked upon what was to become a very successful career in real estate development. He began at Fletcher Emerson Co, leasing and managing commercial office property, and then started his own real estate brokerage company in 1968, pioneering the concept of suburban office development, and leasing over a million square feet of commercial space in Houston.

      Ron had many interests. He enjoyed a large variety of professional and college sports as a spectator, but his heart belonged to the Bearkats. He also played many different sports himself, including tennis, golf, snow skiing, and table tennis, where he and his twin brother won many tournaments and were recreational league City Champions. To say Ron was competitive is an understatement; he always enjoyed a good match and the banter that went with it. He was an avid collector of all types of memorabilia, but particularly those of sporting and historic figures. His many wonderful collections include memorabilia from the Axis and Allied Leaders of WWII, and from each of the U.S. Presidents, both which he donated to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library.

      Although Ron was passionate about many things in his life, travel and charitable works were at the top of his list. His love for travel began with trips he took as a child with his father and brothers camping in tents and fishing, seeing all the sites in the Western United States. Over the course of his life, Ron traveled to over 160 countries, once joking that when the Soviet Union split, he would have that many more countries to see!

      Countless lives were touched by Ron's generosity and charitable contributions. He and his wife Linda established numerous scholarships at San Marcos Baptist Academy, Sam Houston State, and the Livestock Show and Rodeo. He was particularly devoted to Sam Houston State, where his many extraordinary gifts have left an indelible mark, including the College of Business Administration auditorium named in his and Linda's honor, and the Ron Mafrige Field House.

      Ron shared his time, talent and resources serving as a member or on the Board of Directors of a number of charities including, Make-A- Wish, Crime Stoppers, Houston 100 Club, and R.B.I. Foundation. He was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show Rodeo and a life endowed member of Sam Houston Alumni Association, serving on numerous committees in leadership positions for both organizations. He was also a 32 degree Mason, being inducted into Holland Lodge #1, and later became a Shriner. Always proud of his Lebanese heritage, Ron was a member and past President of The Fellowship Club, and a member and past President of the Houston Affiliates of the Southern Federation.

      His devotion to Sam Houston State University led to the second half of Ron's love story and the introduction of Chrissy to his life. They were married in 2008 in the Footprint of Old Main at, a place that held special meaning to both of them. They continued his passion for travel and philantropic endeavors, with Ron determined to show Chrissy the world. Ron always said "God blessed me twice with two beautiful women to love and be loved by."

      Ron is preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Halliday Mafrige; and his parents, Stevens and Marie Mafrige. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Chrissy Brown Mafrige; his son, Rocky Mafrige and wife, Joe'l, their daughters Halliday and Olivia; his brother Stevens Mafrige and wife Carolyn; his twin brother Don Mafrige and wife Nancy; his brother Gary Mafrige; and his sister Kathryn Kent and husband Tom; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him dearly. Ron is also survived by his stepsons, Christopher, Stephen and Dylan, who loved and admired him; and by Chrissy's extended family. He was fortunate to also be survived by many close friends who were like family.

      Honored to serve as casket bearers during the services are Don Mafrige, Jr., David Mafrige, Jeb Wait, Huntley Kent, Michael Kent, Stevens Mafrige, Jr., Zach Mafrige, Christopher Barrow, Steven Price, and Dillon Price. Serving as honorary pallbearers are the Esquire/Delta Tau Delta Group from SHSU and the Fellowship Club.
      Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening on Thursday, the 18th of August, in the Library and Grand Foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

      The funeral service is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 19th of August, at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street in Houston, where Dr. Jim Jackson, Senior Pastor, and Dr. Kelly Williams, Pastor Emeritus, are to officiate. At the conclusion of the service, the family will greet friends during a reception in the adjacent Fellowship Hall.

      Immediately following the reception, an escorted cortege will depart for Memorial Oaks Cemetery, where all are invited to gather with the family for the interment service. Military honors are to be rendered by the U.S. Army, in conjunction with cadets from the Officer's Training Corps at Sam Houston State University, at the graveside ceremony.

      In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Ronald P. Mafrige, Sr. may be directed to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1604 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX, 77005; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , Attn: Memorial Tribute Acct. # 28769385, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN, 38148; or to the Lone Survivor Foundation, 5535 Memorial Dr., Suite F-301, Houston, TX, 77007.

      (Published in The Houston Chronicle from August 16 to August 18, 2011)

    • Mafrige Rock Now Part of Bowers Tradition

      No Bearkat benefactor personified Sam Houston State University's motto, "The measure of a life is its service," better than the late Ron Mafrige.

      Saturday, in a pregame ceremony at the regular season home finale versus Nicholls State, a special new addition to Elliott T. Bowers Stadium will be introduced in the southwest corner of the stadium in memory of the longtime Bearkat benefactor.

      The Mafrige Rock, a 58-inch tall block of Texas granite on a pedestal three feet by three feet, will now sit at the bottom of the ramp the Sam Houston football team descends each game at Bowers.

      As the players exit the ramp, they will touch the rock then head onto the playing field to continue Sam Houston's tradition of football excellence.

      Mafrige, who passed away in August, 2011, was a generous supporter of Bearkat athletics. Nicknamed "The Rock" by his friends and fraternity brothers in college, the 1960 Sam Houston graduate contributed more than $2 million to the university.

      "Ron was a leader in many ways for alums," SHSU President Dana Gibson said. "Whether it was related to athletics or developing and advancing the university, he was an alumni leader for years."

      Inspiration for the monument came from Mafrige's lifelong friends and Delt fraternity brothers John Bright and Ron Koska.

      "John and Ron wanted to find a way to recognize Ron Mafrige's contributions to this campus," SHSU athletic director Bobby Williams said. "Our department is honored that the Mafrige family, John and Ron have allowed us to implement this new tradition to celebrate a great person. The addition of the monument was announced at our "Night of Champions" celebration last April."

      Mafrige led and participated in numerous Sam Houston organizations and initiatives. The Houston real estate entrepreneur served as National Campaign Chair for Sam Houston's first capital campaign.

      "Ron Mafrige, my friend for more than 50 years, was a great teacher," Bright said."He taught and believed three things. First, give back to your church, community and to Sam Houston. Second, support and honor our men in uniform. Third, when you leave Sam Houston, you should leave with your diploma in hand."

      Mafrige was a Life Endowed Member of the Alumni Association and was a longtime member of the alumni board. He also was a board member and director of the Kat Pack and served as a member of the College of Business Administration's Alumni Advisory Council.

      "Ron truly loved this great university and all the people involved in its mission to nurture students and develop leaders," Koska said."He was so involved with helping the athletic department, but he also contributed generously to the College of Business and the arts. Ron (the Rock) Mafrige will always be remembered by all as a loyal and true Bearkat. He loved to watch his team and cheer them on as he is doing right now, looking down on all of us saying Eat 'em up, Kats!"

      Mafrige was a recipient of the 1997 Distinguished Alumnus and 2004 Outstanding Service Awards.

      "The family and I are honored to be part of a new tradition as Sam Houston State University," Chrissy Mafrige, Ron's wife, said. "If anyone could help our boys pull off a win it would be Ron through his sheer tenacity, enthusiasm, passion and love for all things Sam Houston."

      In 2005, Mafrige gave $250,000 to make possible construction of an 11,000-squae foot strength and conditioning facility named after longtime Bearkat football head coach Ron Randleman.

      "Ron Mafrige was a great friend of Sam Houston and Bearkat football," Randleman said. "His life epitomized service."

      The Ron Mafrige Field House located in the south end zone of Bower Stadium houses the university's athletic administration offices. The Mafrige Basketball Challenge has generated more than $250,000 in gifts and commitments for the SHSU's basketball endowment with the goal of reaching $1 million.

      "My father was extremely loyal to Sam Houston," Rocky Mafrige, Ron's son, said. "He fell in love with the university and people. It was a big part of his life."

      In 2008, Mafrige donated $40,000 to build the 20-foot-tall statute of General Sam Houston created by alumnus David Addicks, which stands near the Lowman Student Center and Smith-Hutson Building.He also purchased many of the granite benches seen across campus in honor of a number of people.

      Outside of university endeavors, Mafrige and his family established scholarship programs at his high school alma mater, San Marcos Baptist Academy, and at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where seven of his $10,000-scholarship recipients have opted to attend SHSU. He was a member of the Houston 100 Club, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Republican National Committee and the Houston Realtors-Political Action Committee.

      "I love this university," Mafrige said in a 2006 interview. "The measure of an individual is what is left behind for your fellow man. I can't think of a better way to do that than to help young people get an education."

      (Published at http://www.gobearkats.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=19900&ATCLID=209304461 )

    • The Building of Sam Houston State University

      Ronald P. Mafrige was a 1960 graduate of Sam Houston State Teachers College with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

      Mafrige served in the U.S. Army, remaining in the Army Reserves for 14 years and achieving the rank of Major before retiring. In 1968, he formed what would become Ron Mafrige Enterprises, Inc., which has leased over one million commercial square feet of office space in and around Houston.

      He was honored by his alma mater as a Distinguished Alumnus (1997), Service Award recipient (2004), and named to the College of Business Administration Hall of Honor (2006).

      In 1997, the Smith-Hutson Business Administration Building auditorium was named in honor of Ron and Linda in recognition of his 1994 endowment honoring Glenn Adams, the late president of Ron Mafrige Enterprises. In 2005, Mafrige gave $250,000 to make possible construction of the 11,000 square foot Randleman Strength and Fitness Building. The following year, the field house adjacent to Bowers Stadium was named in his honor.

      A member of the Esquire social group - and successor group, the Epsilon Zeta chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity - in the 1990s Mafrige paid off the debt on the fraternity's second house so that the group could sell it and purchase property closer to SHSU.

      In addition to purchasing many of the granite benches seen across campus, in 2008, Mafrige donated $40,000 to build the 20-foot-tall statute of General Sam Houston that stands in central campus. It honors both M.B. Etheredge (the country's highest decorated surviving soldier of World War II) and the statue's sculptor, David Adickes.

      Mafrige led SHSU's first capital campaign and its Executive Leadership Council. The fundraising effort generated commitments in excess of $61 million, surpassing the $50 Million goal and was achieved nearly a year ahead of schedule.

      During the February 12, 2011 men's basketball game a plaque with Mafridge's likeness was unveiled to honor the 112 donors that contributed to the Mafrige Basketball Challenge; the plaque is on display in the concourse level of Johnson Coliseum.

      (Published on http://www.buildingshsu.com/m/mafrige_ron.html )

    • SHSU Distinguished People

      Ronald P. Mafrige '60

      Mafrige lives in Houston, and is president of Ron Mafrige Enterprises, Inc. Despite his many business interests, he has been especially generous in time and monetary support to the College of Business Administration, which recently named an auditorium in his honor, and to the SHSU football program. In addition to creating the Touchdown '96 football fund-raising campaign, serving on the College of Business Administration and Alumni Association advisory boards, and establishing a $1 million endowment for COBA in the name of Glenn Adams from the Ron Mafrige family, he has found time for other causes such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He worked as past captain and current vice chairman of the Program Committee and is a member of the International Committee of the Livestock Show and Rodeo, was a Houston Host Ambassador for the 1992 Republican National Convention, and has established a scholarship endowment at San Marcos Baptist Academy, where he has also been named a distinguished alumnus. Memberships include the Chapelwood United Methodist Church, the Mystic Shrine Arabia Temple of Houston, the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Delta Tau Delta, the Houston Association of Realtors, the U. S. Army Retired Reserves (with rank of major), Fellowship Club of Houston (past president), Houston Affiliates of the Southern Federation of Syrian, Lebanese American Clubs (president and treasurer), President's Club of San Marcos Baptist Academy, and the Pine Forest and Sugar Creek country clubs. Mafrige and his wife, Linda, have one son.

      (Published at http://www.shsu.edu/dept/office-of-alumni-relations/awards/distinguished/people/mafrige.html )