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Ralph Gustafson Obituary
1945-2017
Ralph Edward Gustafson, 71, of Richmond, Texas, passed on to eternal peace in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 20, 2017. Ralph lost his valiant battle against cancer at his home in Richmond, Texas surrounded by his wife and children. Born in Galveston in 1945, to the late Judge Ralph Bernard and Mildred (Mayo) Gustafson, he was a graduate of Ball High School, Texas Tech University, and Baylor Law School. He raised his family in Simonton, Texas before spending his more recent years in Richmond.
Post law school, Ralph immediately went to work for the law firm of Stafford & Patten in Houston where he would eventually become a partner, and later sole owner, of The Gustafson Firm. Despite being a trial lawyer in Houston for nearly 46 years, Ralph had a way of getting along with just about everyone he ever met. He loved preparing for trial and arguing cases almost as much as he loved telling his infamous jokes. He was passionate about playing golf, preferably with good friends or those whom he could beat. He also enjoyed hunting, saltwater fishing and racing Quarter Horses. There was nothing in this world he loved more than his wife, children and grandchildren. Above all, his greatest enjoyment was time spent with family.
Ralph is survived by his lifelong love Deborah Carol (Weber) Gustafson, whom he married in 1969; his son Stephen Erik Gustafson and his fiancé Cynthia Faye (Crump) of Houston; his daughter Rebecca Anne Gustafson of Alexandria, Virginia; and his daughter Amelia Louise, her husband Robert Milton Verdin Jr., and their two children – Charlotte Louise and Pearl Sabine – all of Austin, Texas; his nephew Jeffrey Quebe of Fort Worth, Texas; and his niece Julia Peterson of Austin, Texas. Ralph also leaves behind numerous extended family, lifelong friends and esteemed colleagues. He was preceded in death by his father Ralph Bernard, his mother Mildred (Mayo) Gustafson of Galveston, and his sister Karen Quebe of Austin.
A memorial service to celebrate Ralph's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2017, in the Chapel at Ralph's church home of 47 years, Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church located at 11612 Memorial Drive in Houston. Memorial donations may be made to the Colon Cancer Alliance at 1025 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 1066 Washington, D.C. 20005.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Gustafson
6 Entries
Kay Connally McCue
September 9, 2025
I worked with Ralph as a secretary to one of his partners back in the late '70s. He was a great guy. My condolences to his family and friends.
K.C. Baker
June 12, 2017
Ralph was my co-counsel in one of the most memorable cases I have litigated in my 28 year career. I learned so much working with him; the experience is seared into my grey matter. He was a good attorney but a much better guy. He had a unique and pleasant take on life that he thankfully shared and shared generously. I was truly saddened to hear he had moved on; it's our loss. My best to Ralph's family.
Julia Woods
June 7, 2017
I worked with Ralph and he was a very kind guy. I am sorry for your loss.
Debby Brown
May 30, 2017
Dearest DEBBIE, this is from your old friend Debbie Jackson from high school. Ann Simmons told me about your dear husband's death. My heart is so sad for you. You two were so precious together and so in love. it has been almost 50 years since I've seen you and I would give anything to see you again! I am praying for you and your dear family I love you debbie Weber!! In His love, Debby Jackson Brown
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May 24, 2017
In memory of your cherished loved one, accept my condolence.
Your words express great love and respect.
May God be with your family.
Jo Ann Tollett
May 23, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. Many years ago, during WWII, my parents, Frank & Audrey Pusateri, were friends in Galveston with Ralph's mom and dad. I remember my family's visit to their home. Ralph and his sister were about the same age as my sister, Marilyn, and me. We would play on the swing set in the back yard while our parents would visit. At about 5/6 years old, I decided to walk to their home by myself. This led to a phone call from Mrs. Gustafson to my mom who at this point was very distressed to learn I had crossed several busy streets all by myself. For my trouble, I was bitten on the arm by one of the Gustafson children ( I don't remember who bit who first) and spanked by my mother. Needless to say I never left home again without my mother. Mom and Dad always spoke fondly of the Gustafson family.
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