Capt. Ron Behnke, a retired fishing guide and lifelong resident of Corpus Christi, passed away on Thursday, August 5 th after a long illness.  Ron was born in Sinton, Texas to Fred and Gussie Behnke and was raised in Corpus Christi.  Ron graduated from Ray High School and attended Del Mar College.  He had a varied career working at Coastal Iron Works, Tune It and then working in construction doing home remodeling.  He ended his construction career building Kettle Restaurants in Corpus Christi and surrounding areas.

In the eighties, Ron who loved to fish for a hobby decided it would be a great way to make a living.  With the help and mentorship of some local guides who had become friends, Ron began a long and successful career in the fishing industry.  After many years of guiding, Ron teamed with Capt. Doug Bird and enlisted the help of marketing expert, Ernie Derr, to begin teaching young anglers in a series of classroom instruction called "Learn from the Pro's".   Ron and Julie were founding members of the Saltwater Fisheries Enhancement Association, firmly believing that money raised here in this community for the fishery should stay here to help the local resource.

In the early 2000's, Ron and wife Julie bought an existing fishing publication called the "Saltwater Angler" and published this magazine for twelve years until Ron's retirement.   Ron was honored to be asked by the mayor of Corpus Christi to serve on the Marina Board and he served for two years.  Ron was also pleased to be inducted in 2007 into the Ray High School Athletic Hall of Fame honoring his football career and accomplishments during high school.

Ron is survived by his wife of 49 years, Julie and three children, Hunter, Rory (Angie) and Brenna Marshall (Jeff).  Surviving also are his 6 grandchildren, Lane and Rachel Behnke, Griffin and Maggie Marshall, and Savanna and Meadow Behnke.  Also surviving is sister, Cathryne Cooney and a special friend Marsha Williams, mother of Hunter.  Also, joining in a celebration of Ron's life will be a large extended family of nephews, nieces, in-laws, and many friends.

Serving as pallbearers are Capt. Steve Schultz, Capt. Butch White, Capt. Joey Farah, Doug Niznik, Michael Voss and Buddy Duff.  Honorary pallbearers are Capt. Doug Bird and Milton Brown.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to SEA, 711 N. Caranchua St #915, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 in Ron's memory.

All funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2021
The family will begin receiving visitors at 9:30 a.m. in Chapel A at Guardian Funeral Home; with a Chapel Service at 10:30 a.m. ; Funeral procession will depart at 12:30 p.m. for the committal service at 1:00 p.m. in Rose Hill Memorial Park.