Betenbaugh Homes co-founder Ron Betenbaugh passed away Wednesday but is being remembered for his faith, philanthropy and impact on the housing industry in and around West Texas.
He was 83 years old.
Ron Betenbaugh was born Jan. 8, 1941, in Lubbock and grew up on a sheep ranch near Tatum, New Mexico, where he attended Tatum High School. In 1964 Betenbaugh began building homes and in 1992 he founded Betenbaugh Homes with his son, Rick Betenbaugh.
Throughout his career as a home builder, Ron was a member of the National Association of Home Builders and the West Texas Home Builders Association, a local association affiliated with the Texas Builders Association.
WTHBA CEO Victoria Whitehead released a statement reflecting on Ron’s impact within the industry and beyond.
“Ron Betenbaugh was a beloved leader in our community who made a profound impact on the lives of countless people over the past 60 years,” she wrote. “His unwavering dedication to making homeownership a reality for so many speaks to the strength of his heart. The West Texas Home Building family sends our heartfelt love and prayers to the entire Betenbaugh family at this time.”
The Lubbock-based housing company aims to bring affordable, high-quality housing to the market, according to Avalanche Journal archives.
Ron’s son, Rick, passed away in December 2023 after a long battle with cancer. The couple built 11 homes in their first year in business and founded a company that continues to serve communities throughout West Texas today, leaving a legacy that spans multiple cities, 350 employees and more than 17,000 homes.
Betenbough Homes has expanded over the years and is now located in the Amarillo, Midland and Odessa markets, in addition to Lubbock.
Ron is remembered as more than just a home builder — he was a family man, a devout Christian and an active member of the community.
In a 2014 company profile for the Avalanche-Journal, Ron shared his philosophy on the role of faith in work.
“My business is the Lord’s business. It is His business,” he wrote, “and His holy Word embodies my business philosophy: put the Lord first and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Betenbough Homes has long been known for providing grants to both evangelical and non-evangelical organizations that are making a difference in West Texas communities.
“Our purpose is to represent God and His Kingdom through our work in the marketplace, and we apply that same purpose to our community giving efforts,” Betenbaugh’s website states.
Ron married Connie Meredith in 1986 and they were married for the past 38 years. He and his family were members of Raintree Christian Church in Lubbock.
Ron was known for his volunteer work and was very active in the Lubbock community, serving as president of the Lubbock Lions Club, a city activist for Lemonade Day, working with Texas Boys Ranch, and founding Kingdom Towers, a Christian-centered transitional housing facility for men coming out of prison.
Ron was known for his sharp wit and intellect. He is survived by his wife Connie; sons Shawn Bettenbaugh, Chris Snyder and Shawn Snyder; daughters Tohi Bettenbaugh, Huni Bettenbaugh, Jeannie Pendergast, Ann Meredith and Chelsea Bettenbaugh; daughter-in-law Holly Bettenbaugh; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Ron’s memorial service will be held at Lake Ridge Chapel on September 6th at 4:45pm.
This article originally appeared in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal: West Texas homebuilder Ron Betenbaugh dies at 83
