Ronald Conaway

Ronald R. Conaway

Ronald R. Conaway, known by many as “The Texas Pit BBQ Man” , age 68 of Conneaut, Ohio, passed away quietly at his home with his family by his side on Monday, January 11, 2021.

He was born on November 16, 1952 in Erie, Pa, the son of the late Ralph and Vonda (Mason) Conaway.  After high school, Ron proudly served in the US Army in the 82nd Airborn Division.  He met his wife, business partner and best friend, Valarie Mae Olmstead.  He and his wife lived in Texas for 25 years, where they owned the Triple Ace Saloon in Rosehill, Texas.  While they lived in Texas, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Kacy Lynn, who was born in Tomball, Texas.  She was the center of her daddy’s world.  But because of Ron’s love of cooking, they opened up the Texas Pit BBQ Restaurants in Albion and Erie and the National Award Winning Rib Cook-off Championship Team.    He loved to cook and was known as a BBQ Chef and provided the best BBQ to thousands of people across the country.  Not only could Ron cook, but he was known as a “Jack of all Trades.”  He could and would do just about anything.  There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t try.  His latest endeavor was flipping houses which they decided to live in one of them.  “Flipping” was going to be his new retirement adventure.

Besides his wonderful wife of 40 years to Valarie and his most amazing daughter, Kacy Lynn, Ron is also survived by a brother, Michael Conaway.

There will be no calling hours, but a Life Celebration Memorial Service will be held privately by the family.  Arrangements are being handled by the Jean Evans Thompson Funeral Home in East Springfield, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Valarie Conaway in care of the funeral home, at P.O. Box 235, East Springfield, PA 16411.