He was born January 17th, 1954, in Tulsa, Okla., the first of 10 kids. He graduated from East Newton High School in 1972 before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a military photographer and participated in the Marine Corps Rifle and Pistol Team.
On December 13th, 1975 he married the love of his life, Dolores. They remained happily married the entire 42 years they had together, having two children and six grandchildren.
Ralph graduated from college in December of 1980 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Automotive Technology from Crowder College, where he learned to restore vehicles. Prior to his disability, he was sought after by many people for his expert auto body painting and workmanship. He was a homebody and was happiest at home tinkering with his tools and creating beautiful crafts, carvings, and knives.
Loved ones that cleared the path for Ralph were his parents, William (Bill) and Jessie; his sister, Sherry; his brother, Richard (Rick); and his sister, Brenda.
Loved ones that will miss Ralph until they meet again are his wife, Dolores; his son and daughter-in-law, Shannon and Ashlee; his daughter and son-in-law, Shelli and Robert; six grandchildren, William (Bill), Phoenix, Syren, Evan, Temperance (Tempie), and Jackson; his sisters, Tina, Kathy, Ledina (Dina), Regina (Gina) and Mary; his brother, Jerry; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Ralph was a simple man and didn't like a lot of fuss. Cremation services are being provided by Parker Funeral Home, in Joplin, Mo., and a Celebration of Life is to be announced at a later date.
The family would also like to acknowledge Avalon Hospice for the compassion and excellent care that was provided in Ralph's final days.
"I'm bound for glory,
Time to lay these burdens down.
Had enough of this old world of worry,
Gonna trade my troubles for a crown."
- The SteelDrivers Lyrics to "Where Rainbows Never Die"
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