TSGT (Ret) Ralph James Rodabaugh

Ralph James Rodabaugh, son of the late James Steven Rodabaugh and Daisy (Gray) Hirt, was born December 24, 1956 in Waynesville, Missouri. He passed away Monday, December 30, 2019 in the Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital of Columbia, Missouri having attained the age of 63 years. Ralph and his family moved to Indiana where he graduated from Marion High School with the Class of 1975. Ralph entered the United States Air Force and served his country faithfully until his retirement in 1993. He had attained the rank of Tech Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal w/1 Device, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/2 devices, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/5 devices, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal w/2 devices, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon w/1 device, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon w/3 devices, NCO Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon w/1 device, and Kuwait Liberation Medal. On May 16, 1990, Ralph was united in marriage to Sandra Kay Miller in Geneva, Kane County, Illinois. They shared over 29 years of marriage together and three children: Rachel, Stephanie and Adam. After retiring from the military, Ralph continued to serve working with veterans to find employment. He was employed with the State of Indiana and after moving to Missouri began working for the State of Missouri. In his spare time, Ralph collected model cars, enjoyed doing wood working projects and repair automobiles. He was past commander of the DAV Chapter 28 in Kokomo, Indiana, was also a member of the VFW 7403 and the American Legion Post 10, both of Marion, Indiana. Ralph was also a Cub Scout Leader for Pack 3506. Ralph’s family was very important to him and he treasured every time they could spend together. He was always putting them first and took great pride in providing for them. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. Ralph leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Sandra Rodabaugh of the home; three children: Rachel Rodabaugh (James) of Tucson, AZ, Stephanie Barker (Michael) of Walton, IN and Adam Rodabaugh (Jessica) of Montauk, MO; seven grandchildren; five siblings: Jackie Harris of Marion, IN, Monroe “Ed” Rodabaugh of Dixon, MO, Sharon Alexander of Marion, IN, Paul Rodabaugh of Marion, IN and Francis Edris of the state of Indiana; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by one sister, Wanda Jean. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2020 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Chaplain (CPT) Jeremy Dunn officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “Stairway to Heaven” were played. Serving as escorts were family and friends. Burial with military honors followed in the Dry Creek Cemetery of Pulaski County, Missouri with military honors being provided by the United States Air Force. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ralph Rodabaugh and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

TSGT (Ret) Ralph James Rodabaugh

December 24, 1956 - December 30, 2019