Ronald Lee Estes, age 64, went home on 8/22/09, with his family by his bedside. Ron was born to Rex and Lucy Estes on 6/20/45. Ron graduated from Westmont College and soon after pursued his dream of playing professional baseball with the minor league Los Angeles Dodgers, and was coached by Tommy Lasorda. Ron was drafted into the Army and served in Viet Nam.


Ron is survived by his wife Vicki Estes of Lompoc, CA; his 3 daughters, Brandy Estes of Lompoc, CA; Melanie Estes and husband Tim Julius of Buellton, CA; April and husband Steve Meehan of Lompoc, CA. He adored his four grandchildren; Emily and Baylee Meehan, and Bella and Gunner Julius. Additionally he leaves behind his mother Lucy Estes of Overland Park, KS; his brother Roger Estes of Gardner, KS; his sister and husband Bonita and Joe Litizzette of Leawood KS; and two nieces, Stephanie Mixon of Elmhurst, IL; and Nicole Witzel of Austin, TX. His father Rex Estes of Overland Park, KS precedes him in death.


Private burial services will be held at the Bakersfield Veteran's National Cemetery in CA.


"Death—the last sleep? No, the final awakening."