Ralph W. Waggoner, 76, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away at 4:25 p.m. on September 15, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri. Ralph was born on September 8, 1950, in Joplin, Missouri to Eleanor (Oxford) and Wayne Waggoner.
Ralph was a lifelong Joplin resident who loved his hometown, his family, and the many people whose lives he touched. He grew up in Royal Heights and remained deeply connected to the community throughout his life.
Ralph graduated from Joplin High School in 1968, where he served as vice president. Sports and recreation were a major part of his life. He played baseball throughout his youth, including Ozark Little League, Babe Ruth League, Joplin High School baseball, and American Legion baseball. He also loved golf and pool. He served in the National Guard and was proud to be part of the Harley-Davidson group. He also enjoyed vintage Coca-Cola signs and the timeless character they represented.
After high school, Ralph attended Missouri Southern State University, continuing the journey that would lead to many of his life's accomplishments.
On June 18, 1976, Ralph married the love of his life, Carole (Jaynes) Waggoner. Together, Ralph and Carole shared 50 wonderful years of marriage. They built a life filled with love, family, hard work, laughter, and countless memories.
In their early years together, Ralph and Carole worked in Carole's parents' business, Gene's Dairy Jane. They later purchased Wisor's Chili, making wholesale chili that they sold to area restaurants. Their experience in the food business eventually led them to open their own restaurant, Stogey's Coney Island, in 1983. The name was inspired by Ralph's nickname, "Stogey," and the restaurant is a beloved Joplin landmark.
Ralph worked at Stogey's alongside Carole, his sister Janet, and their daughters, Christy and Kelly. Together, they created lasting memories while serving the community they loved. Stogey's became a reflection of Ralph himself- welcoming, hardworking, familiar, and full of character. It is a place where countless people have gathered over the years, and Ralph took pride in the relationships he built with customers, friends, and neighbors.
Above all, Ralph's life was centered around his faith in Jesus Christ. He had a deep and personal relationship with God, and his faith was evident in the way he lived, loved, and treated others. Ralph believed that his relationship with Jesus was not simply something he talked about, but something he carried with him every day. He often shared the words that meant so much to him: "Inside where I live, I follow Jesus, the blessings follow me."
Ralph believed that everyone deserved kindness, compassion, and love, especially those who were struggling. He would often remind others, "When you see someone down and out, think Jesus loves you and so do I. Amen." These words reflected the heart of the man he was- a man who wanted others to know they were loved, valued, and never alone. His faith shaped the way he cared for his family, welcomed others, helped those in need, and lived his life.
Ralph was a devoted husband and father who took great pride in the family he and Carole built together. He was deeply proud of his daughters and cherished every moment he spent with them. He supported them, encouraged them, and remained a steady source of strength and guidance throughout their lives. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, from the sacrifices he made to the time he devoted to being present for the moments that mattered most.
Ralph was also a wonderful grandfather who treasured his six grandchildren. He delighted in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, sharing in their interests, and creating memories with each of them. His grandchildren will remember him for his warmth, humor, wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. He was a beloved father-in-law as well, welcoming Jay and Jonah as part of the family and sharing with them the same kindness and support he gave to those closest to him.
Ralph was one of the hardest-working and kindest people you could ever meet. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a caring brother, and a man who would do anything for the people he loved. He never hesitated to lend a hand, share a laugh, or make someone feel welcome.
Ralph leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith, family, love, hard work, and generosity. His greatest accomplishment was not only the business he built, but the family he cherished, the people he helped, and the faith and values he passed on to those around him. His wife, daughters, sons-in law, grandchildren, and sisters will carry his love and memory with them always. He will also be remembered fondly by his classmates, teammates, friends, fellow riders, and the Joplin community.
Ralph will be deeply missed, but the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the love he gave will live on forever. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace and walking with the Savior he loved and followed throughout his life.
Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our Stogey.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carole (Jaynes) Waggoner; his daughters, Ashleigh (Waggoner) Bauernfeind, Christy Waggoner, and Kelly (Waggoner) Weaver; his sons-in-law, Jay Bauernfeind and Jonah Weaver; his sisters, Vicki (Waggoner) Stevens and Janet DeMastors; and his six grandchildren, Kaden Bauernfeind, Conley Bauernfeind, Jace Bauernfeind, Campbell Waggoner, Owen Weaver, and Ella Weaver.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 22, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.
