Ronald Blake Kabele
October 20, 1960 – September 20, 2026

Ronald Blake Kabele — an extraordinary storyteller, award-winning television producer, beloved mentor, godfather and friend — passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026, in Austin, Texas, after living with recurring cancer for more than 25 years. Ron was born on October 20, 1960, and lived a life defined by resilience, creativity, friendship and an unwavering desire to tell stories that mattered.

Ron began his remarkable career in Houston, working in television news before taking his storytelling talents to public television stations in Texas and Kentucky. He also spent time working at MD Anderson Cancer Center, an institution that would later become an important part of his own life as he returned there for treatment over many years. Each stop along the way mattered to Ron. He was proud of the work he did, the people he worked alongside and the younger storytellers he encouraged. He ultimately spent the majority of his career with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s PBS series, where his ability to move audiences by capturing heartfelt moments, authentic interviews and memorable sound bites earned the admiration of generations of fellow producers and videographers.

Ron’s true gift surpassed his superior technical skills. A teacher and mentor who loved sharing what he knew, he had a way of making everyone around him better. His colleagues didn’t just learn from Ron behind the camera, they wanted to spend time absorbing his wisdom and light. His latest mentee, Michael Benner, became one of his dearest friends, who stayed by Ron’s side for the final days of his life.

In 2024, Ron was honored with the Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, recognizing his more than 25 years of achievement and contributions to the television industry. At the time of the award, Ron had received 25 Emmy Awards for his work. See the Silver Circle Award video here.

Although health issues eventually led Ron to retire from Texas Parks and Wildlife, he never really retired from storytelling. He continued producing and editing for organizations including Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Audubon Texas, The Nature Conservancy, Borderlands Research Institute and the Texas Historical Commission. He mastered challenging documentary projects, including recent work addressing human trafficking.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable stories Ron told was his own. Ron was, as he liked to say, a miracle baby. He was born to Mildred Burton Kabele and William Richard Kabele when his mother was 40 years old. Mildred had survived polio, spent time in an iron lung and used a wheelchair. Her determination to survive and thrive inspired Ron throughout his life. He carried that same tenacity through his own health struggles, continuing to create, teach, laugh and tell stories through it all.

Ron had an extraordinary gift for friendship. People from different chapters of his life often felt they were part of his family, and in many ways, they were. He built lasting friendships from his college days, his years in Houston, his long career at Texas Parks and Wildlife and the many other places his life and work took him. Many of those friendships spanned decades. Friends and colleagues stood beside him throughout his years of illness and treatment, and many gathered around him during his final days.

Their love, loyalty and support meant everything to him. One relationship held a special place in Ron’s heart. His godson, Elijah Loke Gray, lived with him most of Eli’s life. Ron loved being Eli’s godfather, mentor and friend, and Eli adored him in return. Their bond brought Ron tremendous joy. Ron even became a volunteer Boy Scout leader with Troop 17 so he could help see Eli and Michael Benner through to the rank of Eagle Scout. Along the way, he mentored and encouraged many other Scouts as well.

Ron is also survived by an extended family of cousins and their families. Those who knew Ron will remember his infectious enthusiasm, his generosity, his humor, his curiosity and his remarkable ability to make people feel welcome. They will remember how freely he shared his talents and how much he gave to the people around him.

Ron leaves behind an extraordinary professional legacy, but his greatest legacy may be the people he taught, encouraged, loved and inspired. He spent his life capturing the stories of others. Now, we will carry his story forward.

Ron, you were loved more than you imagined. You were one of a kind, and the world is a better place because you were in it. Rest peacefully, Ron. Your story will forever live in our hearts.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held in Austin on Nov. 8. Reach out to karenyloke@gmail.com for details.