Burleson, Texas. – Ronald William Pivonka, age 68, trading his crosses for a set of wings, passed from this life on February 25, 2017 after a 10 year battle with prostate cancer. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Memorial Services will be held March 11, 2017 at 12:30 PM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Burleson, Texas. Mass and burial will be at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and cemetery, near his father, in Frenstat, Texas on March 13, 2017 at 10:00 AM. He was born in Bryan, Texas on August 7, 1948, the son of Herbert D. and Geraldine (Schoppe) Pivonka. He graduated from A. C. Jones High School in Beeville, Texas in May of 1966 and went on to attend Texas A&M University where he received a BS degree in Recreation and Parks Administration in May of 1970. While at A&M he met the love of his life, Scarlette Kocurek of Deanville, Texas, and they married on August 16, 1969 in Dime Box, Texas. He was proud to be an Aggie and a family man. Upon graduation from A&M, Ronald joined the Texas Army National Guard, serving for 6 years and attaining the rank of Sergeant. Upon his return from Army training, he began his career with the US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, in May of 1971 beginning as a Lake Ranger, and moving on to positions as Lake Manager (Hords Creek, O.C. Fisher and Canyon Lakes) and Outdoor Recreation Planner in the District Office in Fort Worth, where he retired in March 2005. He loved his family and was very proud of his sons and daughter-in-law. He had a special bond with his grandsons who referred to him as “Papa Ronald” and he loved them very much. He was preceded in death by a son, Rett Paul, and his Father, Herbert. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Scarlette, son Roy Patrick, son Ryan Peter and wife Jennifer, grandsons Luke William and Landon Ryan, mother Geraldine, brothers: Thomas, Monsignor Leonard, Richard and wife Carol, Carl and wife Laura, and sister Janice Popp and husband Jeff. He also leaves behind many other relatives and friends. To honor Ronald’s memory, in lieu of flowers, enjoy time with your family.