Ronald Wayne Nethercutt

Ronald “Ron” Wayne Nethercutt, a distinguished music educator, renowned trombonist, and dedicated humanitarian, passed away on March 25, 2025, at age 88.

Born on October 5, 1936, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Forney and Pauline Nethercutt, Ron moved to Louisiana in 1954 to attend Southeastern Louisiana University. After earning his undergraduate degree in music education, Ron served as a U.S. Army bandsman for three years before pursuing graduate studies at The Ohio State University and Louisiana State University.

Ron began his teaching career as a high school band director in south Louisiana before returning to Southeastern, where he spent 35 years as a music professor and later as general manager of KSLU Public Radio. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the university’s music department and jazz program, earning national recognition and acclaim. Ron also played a key role in establishing the Bill Evans Archives and the Bill Evans Festival at Southeastern, where Evans was an alumnus.

A gifted performer, Ron founded The Jazz Professors, a bilingual jazz band that toured Central America, performing for the U.S. Embassy and several American corporations in Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize. Ron’s musical career took him to jazz festivals around the world, including Brazil, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, and Greece. He had the privilege of playing with legendary artists such as Tony Bennett, Glen Campbell, Marvin Gaye, Isaac Hayes, Liberace, Frank Sinatra, and Andy Williams.

In addition to teaching, Ron served as a clinician and guest conductor across the country and published trombone and jazz music through The Brass Press and the International Trade Administration. As a Yamaha Artist, he helped shape music programs and advance music education in both the U.S. and internationally.

Ron’s Rotary service began in 1986 when he joined the Rotary Club of Hammond, Louisiana. He served as Club President in 1995, Assistant Governor for two terms, and District Chair for several initiatives. He became a charter member of Rotarians On The Internet in 1997. Ron was named Outstanding Rotarian in 1998, Outstanding Assistant Governor in 1999, and recognized as a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation in 2009.

His international Rotary service included organizing the “Horns for Honduras” initiative and providing relief after Hurricane Mitch in 1999. He traveled to 22 countries, promoting matching grants, strengthening Rotary partnerships, and expanding global outreach. In 2000, he received a Visiting Rotary Professorship at the University of the Philippines, where he developed graduate programs in music. He and his wife, Gloria, known as “The Dynamic Duo,” led seminars on matching grants and used technology to enhance Rotary’s work.

After moving to the Philippines in 1999, Ron taught at the University of the Philippines and consulted for the Angeles University Foundation, where he directed the Center for American Studies.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Forney and Pauline Nethercutt, and younger brother Tommy Nethercutt. Ron is survived by his wife, Gloria Nethercutt; children, Chad Nethercutt and Traci Navarre (Heath Navarre) and their mother, Donner Nethercutt; grandchildren, Parker Navarre, Ruby Nethercutt, Sawyer Navarre, and Kyle Nethercutt; and a community of students, colleagues, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Private Services will be held in the Philippines.