Ralph Traxler

Ralph Junior Traxler, 95, of Decatur, IL, passed away Friday, September 11, 2020, at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, September 15, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL. Private family services will be Wednesday, September 16, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Burial will be in LaPlace Cemetery, LaPlace, IL.Memorials may be made to LaPlace Church of the Brethren. Ralph was born November 28, 1924, in Hammond, IL, the son of Ralph Washington and Gertrude Faye (McClure) Traxler. He married Betty Jane Landis on August 9, 1943 in Pocahontas, AR. She preceded him in death on May 11, 1998. He later married Evelyn Louise Hirsch on October 15, 2000 in LaPlace, IL. In 1946 Ralph became owner/operator of Traxler Trucking. He loved doing things with his family, had a great love of gospel music and a love for the Lord. He enjoyed traveling, playing 42, and also enjoyed driving a truck for over 60 years. Ralph was a member of Midwest Truckers Association, Teamsters, President of the LaPlace Water Works and an active member of LaPlace Church of the Brethren. He is survived by his wife Evelyn; children Christina J. (Douglas) Warren of Decatur, Carolyn J. Hirsch of Monticello, Larry A. (Cathy) Traxler of Lovington; step-daughter Karen Kay Van Matre of Cerro Gordo; 12 grandchildren; several great and great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Betty, brothers Billy and Harold, sister Rosemary, son-in-law Rick Hirsch, son-in-law Jim Van Matre, one great grandchild, and one great great grandchild.