Ralph Handley

Ralph L. Handley was born in Bement, Il. on May 21, 1931 to his proud parents Ralph L. & Tressie[Morgan] Handley. He departed this life to be with his father and mother in Heaven on Friday, July 19, 2013. He was a faithful member of Parkway Church of Nazarene for 43 years, serving as a Board member, Head of the Finance Committee, a Sunday School Teacher and Usher; and will be missed by all. While attending Stephen Decatur High School Ralph was an avid golfer and played baseball and track. Following his 1949 graduation from Stephen Decatur, in 1951 Ralph honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict with the 813th Engineer Aviation Battalion at the Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, from Jan.1952 till his discharge the 12th Dec. 1953. For 42 years he was a valued employee of the Mueller Company, from which he retired . His hobbies included golfing and bowling, and he won many tournaments and trophies in each sport. More importantly he shared these experiences with his best friend, Hal Whitacker. Ralph enjoyed reading mystery novels by Clive Cussler and watching horse racing, particularly the Kentucky Derby, which he attended twice! Surviving him is his wife Mary, his greatest joy since they were married on Nov.29, 1969; and children; Allan[Mary] Bullock of Warrensburg, Sherry[Timm]Oyer of Hastings, Mi., Phillip Bullock of Decatur, and Tari[Tim]Stower of Decatur. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren; plus several nephews and nieces. Ralph was preceded in death by daughter Linda Martin and sister Wanda Helm. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. A special thanks to the nurses and Dr. Velasco at the Cancer Care Center in Decatur; also special thanks to Harbor Light Hospice for their tender loving care of Ralph in the latter phase of his life. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home, 2827 N. Oakland. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00PM Tuesday, July 23, 2013. Memorial donations may be made to Parkway Church of the Nazarene. Military honors will take place following a brief graveside service at Graceland Cemetery on N.Oakland . "
}