June 13, 1929 – January 6, 2015

Ralph was a devoted husband and family man, as well as an all around handyman who was constantly looking for ways to build, improve or fix anything and everything. Cars were his hobby and he built, repaired and operated them with love. He always enjoyed trying new things.

Born June 13, 1929 in Morgantown, West Virginia to Ralph Lincoln and Amelia (LaPera), he grew up in Lansing, Illinois. He graduated in 1947 from Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois and served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

He married Laura Mae (Freeman) January 20, 1951. Together, they had 6 children: Ralph David, Michael George, Steven Allen (deceased), Karen Anne, Laura Jean and Andrew Paul. They moved from Ontario, California to St. Louis, Missouri in 1963 where he was employed with McDonnell Douglas/Boeing as a Manufacturing Engineer until he retired in April 1987. While working and raising a family, he earned his Bachelor of Science from Washington University in 1965.

Ralph and Laura and their family lived in Northwoods and moved to Ballwin in 1972 where Ralph supervised his family in building their home. In 2010 they moved to Laclede Oaks in Webster Groves.

Parish life was very important to Ralph and Laura. They were very active in the parishes were they resided: Ascension (Normandy), St. Josephs (Manchester) and Holy Infant (Ballwin).

Family vacations consisted of camping trips to Michigan, Wisconsin, Washington DC, Jamestown, VA and the Current River. They enjoyed their empty nest and retirement years, traveling extensively with the Friendship Force, Sages and taking their grandchildren on a personalized trip. They traveled to Russia, China, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Germany, Alaska, Hawaii, Greece, Spain and many others.

They volunteered at The Fox Theatre, St. Louis Science Center, Red Cross Blood Drives, Visiting Nurses Association and whenever their time was requested.

They have 10 grandchildren, Jenny, Leigh, Kyle, Kurt, Marty, Hunter, Jarred, Hand, Wynde and Kelly and 1 great-grandchild Ainsley.

Visitation at 12pm, Mass at 1pm with reception following on Saturday January 10, 2015 at Laclede Oaks Chapel, 723 S. Laclede Station Road. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (St. Louis Chapter) 9370 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132 or Lutheran Senior Services Hospice (723 S. Laclede Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63119).