Ronald Eugene Waugh

HULETT, Wyo. - Ronald Eugene Waugh, 56, Hulett, died Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Ronald "Ron" E. Waugh was born July 10, 1952, in Belle Fourche to Louis Nelson Waugh and Harriet (Clarice) Louise Sedustine Waugh. He grew up in Hot Springs, where he attended school. Ron graduated from high school in Rapid City. He then voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 10, 1970. Ron served aboard the USS Denver as part of the Beachmaster Unit One, Detachment Delta, Amphibious Ready Group Bravo in Southeast Asia from Oct. 1971 to July 1972. Ron received a commendation for his service during the Vietnam War as a Yeoman Seaman. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation and was honorably discharged from service in June of 1974. Following his discharge from the U.S. Navy, Ron joined the Pennington County Sheriff's department and served as a deputy sheriff for several years. He then moved to the Waugh family ranch near Devils Tower, Wyo., to raise his family. There he hand built his log home while working in the sawmill. In 1982 he again set out to serve the public by running for public office. Ron won the election by a landslide and served as the Crook County Justice of the Peace from 1983 to 1998. He also served as a circuit court judge for Weston County. While raising a family and working full time as Justice of the Peace, Ron graduated from Black Hills State University with honors, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree. He continued to attend classes on law and accumulated enough educational credit hours to sit for the Law Boards. However, he had no ambition to be an attorney and trusted very few. He felt he was better able to help his fellow man by sitting on the bench. As a judge, Ron was fair and honest, treating every person with the same respect. Ron Waugh's civic duty expanded beyond the law as he helped run the Inyan Kara Group Home outside Sundance, Wyo., for years. He also officiated at hundreds of weddings across northeastern Wyoming. He was the first person to perform a wedding atop Devils Tower National Monument, a memorable experience for the couple as well as for Ron. As a common man he gave out countless hours of legal advice to friends, family and foes alike, never hesitating to help someone in need. While still serving as Justice of the Peace, Ron set out on a business venture and purchased the Hulett Rodeo Bar in 1996, renaming it "Capt'n Ron's Rodeo Bar." For the past 13 years he and his wife, Marla Waugh, have been feeding thousands of bikers for free during the annual "Ham'N'Jam" in August. Ron Waugh lived his life with fervor. He was dealt his own share of sorrows and was able to overcome them. He openly confessed his love of God and belief in Jesus Christ as his savior and raised his children with the same beliefs. He was a loving father and a devoted husband who valiantly fought mouth and throat cancer for six months, not for himself but for his family. He spent his last days with his family at his side. He will always be remembered for having a giving heart. His spirit will never leave us and his presence in our lives will forever be felt. He has gone to "meet his maker" and we will see him again. Thank you Dad for loving us and for all the life lessons you taught us, love your children. Thank you lover for being the love of my life, love Marla. Thank you grandpa for hugging us, and raising our parents' right, love your grandchildren. Thank you for all the good things you did in our lives, love your friends and family. Ron Waugh was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, father, Louis N. Waugh, and mother of his children, Deborah K Monroe Waugh. He is survived by his mother, Harriet L Sedustine Waugh (Clarice); wife, Marla K Mahoney Waugh; brothers Bill Waugh and Tom Waugh; children Jennifer Waugh Hill, Ronnie Waugh and Joseph Waugh; children in heart Dusky Karlson and Brianna Gose; and grandchildren Justice and Titus Waugh, Owen Waugh, Caydence Karlson and Emmalyne Gose. Graveside services will be 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Waugh Family cemetery on Strawberry Hill north of Hulett. A family fellowship and dinner will be shared following the burial. Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance are in charge of arrangements.