Ralph Clinton Southard

LTC (Ret) Ralph Clinton Southard, son of the late James Thomas and Stella (Barnard) Southard, was born November 14, 1935 in Red Oak, Oklahoma. He passed away the evening of Sunday, July 24, 2011 in his home having attained the age of 75 years, 8 months and 10 days. Ralph grew up in Red Oak and graduated from high school in 1953. On December 15, 1953, Ralph enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country faithfully for 28 years and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He earned several awards and commendations. On January 30, 1960 in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, Ralph married the love of his life, Margaret Lucille Harrington. They shared over 51 years of marriage together and were blessed with five children: Pamela, Jerry, Melissa, Timothy and Lauralee. After retiring from the military, Ralph began working for Webster University and did so for the next 25 ½ years. After retiring from the university, Ralph and Margaret moved to Linn Creek in June 2009. In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed being outdoors while fishing. He was a member of several organizations. He was a lifetime member of Masonic Lodge #66 in Oklahoma, Scottish Rite and Shriners of Tennessee, and the National Sojourners of Alexandria, Virginia. He also had his lifetime membership in 7/8 Chapter, Veterans of Foreign Wars of Crocker, Missouri, National Rifle Association and was a charter member of the Order of Scared White Buffalo. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army here in Pulaski County. Ralph will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Margaret of the home; five children: Pamela June Curry (Steven) of Yukon, OK, Jerry C. Southard (Wendy) of Crocker, MO, Melissa Wilson (Sean) of Crocker, MO, Timothy Southard (Nikki) of Lebanon, MO and Lauralee Southard of Crocker, MO; one sister: Betty Romine (Orvil) of McAlester, OK; two brothers: Kenneth Southard (Cheri) of Wilburton, OK and Jerry Southard (Theresa) of Edmond, OK; fifteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren; several other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by one brother, Jackie Southard. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2011 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Chaplain Jeff Militti officiating. The songs “The Old Rugged Cross” and “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” were played. Ralph’s brother and sister-in-law sang “How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace” and “He Leads the Way”, a song that Ralph wrote. Serving as escorts were Timothy Southard, Sean Wilson, Jerry D. Southard, Chance Southard, Jason Brandon, Michael Rosencrans, Jerry C. Southard and Kenneth Southard. Burial with military honors followed in the Freedom Cemetery near Linn Creek, Missouri. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ralph Southard to the Salvation Army and may be left at the funeral home.

Ralph Clinton Southard

November 14, 1935 - July 24, 2011