Richard Earl Ralph went to be with his Lord on Aug. 12 at Togus Veterans Center.
Mr. Ralph was born in Orff’s Corner in Waldoboro on Aug. 7, 1914, the son of Ward M. Ralph, Sr. and Marjorie Brown Ralph.
He graduated from Lincoln Academy in Newcastle in 1932. He was awarded the “Sir Lincoln” award his senior year. After graduating, he worked for Percy Moody and Pollard Grain Co., delivering grain.
He entered the Army in 1943 and served in WWII until 1945. He participated in the Normandy Beach Invasion where he was wounded and awarded a Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge with two Battle Stars, and a Purple Heart.
Upon returning from serving in the Army, he worked for Paragon Plastic Button Factory in Waldoboro in the late 1940’s. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to the position of manager for 32 years. After leaving the Button Factory, he worked for Medomak Canning Company from 1969 to 1971 as production coordinator.
He was a member of United Methodist Church in Union for a short time, and a long time member of Warren Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Trustee and on several boards. He helped with the start and completion of the Fellowship Room Project there. In 2001, he was named Deacon Emeritus. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. of Friendship and the Disabled American Veterans.
He loved visiting with his family, family get-togethers and church functions. He also enjoyed woodworking, and for several years enjoyed camping with his fifth wheel camper.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Willis, Ward and Harold, Sr.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Florence, of Warren; daughter, Linda Peabody and husband Roger of Warren; stepson, Howard “Andy” Severson and wife Debbie of Waldoboro; stepdaughters, Trudy Hannan and husband Dexter of Warren, and Beverly Moody and husband Ken of Chelsea; brother, Roy of Phippsburg, Penn.; sister, Evelyn Miller of Waldoboro; granddaughter, Kaye Peabody of Warren; step-grandchildren, Michelle Flaherty and husband Dan of Appleton, Jaime Hannan of Union, Dallas Thang and husband Lenny of Augusta, Jessica Severson of Waldoboro, Howard “Little Andy” Severson and wife Hilary of Waldoboro, Dwayne Severson of Waldoboro, Michael Severson of Waldoboro, and Shawn Kalloch and wife Jaime of Gardiner; eight great-step-grandchildren; nephew, Donald Day and wife Lily of Topsfield, Mass., cousin, Ethelyn Deery of Damariscotta; and several other nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours 6-7 p.m., Tues., Aug. 15 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
Celebration of Richard’s life 1 p.m., Wed., Aug. 16 at the Warren Baptist Church, 166 Main St., Warren, with Rev. William E. Meader officiating. Burial will follow in the Orff’s Corner Cemetery in Waldoboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Orff’s Corner Cemetery Association, c/o Jean Hutchins, 2918 Winslows Mills Rd., Waldoboro, ME 04572.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.
