Charles Ronald Gahagan

Charles Ronald Gahagan was born in Brady, Texas on August 15, 1936, and passed away June 3, 2021 in Georgetown, Texas surrounded by his family. He graduated from Georgetown High School in 1954. He attended Southwestern University and was an active member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, graduating in 1958. In that same year, he married his college sweetheart, Loretta Hicks, moved to Austin and went to work as manager for Vaught Hardware store.

In 1962 he went to work for the Texas Higher Education Commission, later renamed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he was instrumental in setting up Angelo State University and designed and implemented the Hinson-Hazlewood low interest loan program. Since 1965 the program has provided low interest tuition loans to thousands of Texas students. He was so proud to see his work benefit so many young people. As one of the most successful student loan programs in the US, he was asked to assist the federal government with setting up their early student loan programs as well. He helped establish the Texas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. He retired from the Coordinating Board in 1984 after 22 years of service.

Returning to Georgetown in 1981, Ron became the first economic development director for the City of Georgetown and received his real estate agent and brokers licenses. After moving to Lake Buchanan in 1999, Ron was appointed as a Commissioner for Burnet County Emergency Services District No. 5 serving the East Lake Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department.

Ron loved coaching little league baseball for his sons, hunting in the hill country, camping, and fishing in Gunnison, Colorado, and lazy days on Lake Buchanan.

Ron is survived by his wife of 62 years, Loretta Hicks Gahagan, his son David Gahagan and wife Anissa of Smithville, Texas, his son Tim Gahagan and wife Katrina of Austin, Texas, and cousins Bob and Karen Brooks of San Angelo, Dorothy Brooks of Arlington, Bob and Terry Brooks of Arlington and Roy Brooks of Cameron. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Charles “Chili” Gahagan and wife Oma Mae Brooks of Georgetown, Texas.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date in Georgetown, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Caring Place, Georgetown, Texas, or a charity of your choice.