Roll Call Tribute

James Ronald Kyzar, DVM 

January 21, 1946 - February 22, 2025 

James Ronald Kyzar, DVM, age 79, of Brady, Texas passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at his ranch in Brady. Ronny, as he was known by to most, was born on January 21, 1946, in Brady to Elmo Ben "Jack" Kyzar and Dorothy Katherine (Sandberg) Kyzar. He grew up in Brady and was the Salutatorian of the 1964 graduating class of Brady High School. Ronnie was blessed to have been raised in a Christian home. He owned a very personal relationship with God, He marveled at the everyday miracles he witnessed as he cared for things at the ranch which was his sanctuary. As the challenges of Addison's disease became more profound, his peace with God became more apparent to all around him.

He earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Texas A&M College in 1967, followed by Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1969, and a Master of Science is Veterinary Physiology in 1972. While at Texas A&M College he was member of the Society of Phi Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta, and Phi Kappa Phi.

He married Merle Helen Wellmann on April 25, 1969, in Brenham, Texas. After graduating from Veterinary School, he worked for Texas A&M as a published researcher from 1969 to 1973. His research included collaborations with NASA on the effects of radiation on retinas, research with MD Anderson Cancer Center on the effects of radiation on skin as well as the development of human drugs. In the Fall of 1973, he and Merle moved to Austin where he went into mixed animal private practice. In 1989, he brought his family back to Brady where he took over the family ranch. He was an avid reader, a skilled craftsman, hunter, and steward of the land. He loved history, especially World War II, and he was a private pilot of many years.

A Celebration of Life for James Ronald "Ronny" Kyzar, DVM, will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Brady Methodist Church with Reverend Stacey Evans and Reverend Cody Dykes officiating. 

Ronny is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Merle Kyzar; son B J Kyzar and his wife Skylar of Brady, TX; brothers Col. Tommy Kyzar, DVM, (US Army Ret.) and his wife Barbara of Kempner, TX and Steve Kyzar and his wife Carolyn of Austin, TX; sister Carol Kyzar Weaver and her husband Johnny of Caldwell, TX and several nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donny Kyzar and grandson Ryddle Kyzar. The family wishes to thank Gentiva Hospice of Brownwood for the excellent care he received at home. He was treated with love, compassion, respect, and dignity for the past 18 months. Many mornings he would ask who would be coming to see him that day, indicating his appreciation and gratitude for their care.