Meet The Divan Members

Charles E. Maddox is an attorney for the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas. Prior to working for the Secretary of State, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for Texas, and was a budget analyst for the Legislative Budget Board of Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Master of Public Affairs each from the University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law, and a Master of Laws from Stetson University College of Law. He is admitted to the Bar in Texas, and every civilian federal court which has jurisdiction in and over the State of Texas. He, his wife Emily, and their daughter reside in the Austin Area. A proud eleventh generation Texan, Charles is a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and is an Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy.

Born a Kentuckian, Ron is proud Texan by choice! He is a Vietnam Veteran and after 7 years of active-duty 1968-1975, he continued working for the US Air Force as a DOD Civilian from 1975-2003, with multiple duty stations around the globe. His last assignment was Chief of Aircraft & Missile Maintenance Training Management, Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB Utah. While stationed in Alaska, Ron was made a Master Mason at Tanana Lodge #3, became a 32°Scottish Rite Mason and a Noble of AL ASKA Shrine, all at Fairbanks, Alaska during Nov 1998 – June 1999. Later, during his Air Force time and after his 2003 retirement in Utah, he became York Rite Mason, served as Worshipful Master of George Washington Lodge #24, President of Ogden Shrine Club, President of EL Kalah Clowns, VP of the Ogden Temple Board, Finance Committee on the Salt Lake Shriners Hospital Board, Grand Pursuivant on the Grand Lodge of Utah. In 2002 Ron was appointed to Staff positions with EL Kalah Shrine, and was elected Oriental Guide, High Priest & Prophet and Assistant Rabban 2004-2006.

Samuel Edward Stimson, PhD is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He was created a member of Ben Hur on 2/11/1983 and remained a member until he demitted on12/29/1989. At that time his job at Dell Computers required him to travel frequently to Asia and he had no time to devote to the fraternity. After retirement he returned to Ben Hur in January 2010 and has remained active ever since. He served as Marshal of the Provost Guard in 2013 and as State Marshal in 2015. He was elected to the post of Recorder in 2012 when he served for 2 years and then 1 year as High Priest and Prophet. He took a couple of years off and then returned as Recorder in 2018. He completed his Emeritus year in 2025.

Charlie Farnham is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 1999 and was an active member of the Drum and Bugle Corps until its demise. He is currently a member of the Motley Brue and Golf Units. Charlie is a Past Potentate of Ben Hur, having served in that role in 2008. He is also a dual member of Hella Shriners in Dallas, Texas.

Ricki Pierce is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 1991, is active in the Directors Staff, Trailblazers, Charioteers & Golf Units, also the Motorcycle Club and served as President of the Directors Staff in 2025. He was also a member of Ararat Shriners in Kansas City, Missouri.

Bio Information Goes Here

James Heineman is a member of the Board of Directors of Ben Hur Shriners. He has been a member of Ben Hur since 2017, and is active in the Travel Club, Motorcycle Club, Motley Brue Unit, and Directors Staff.