Ralph E. Joseph Jan. 6, 1932 July 21, 2001 Ralph E. Joseph, 69, of Old Fort, died Saturday at home. He was born in Old Fort to Charles J. and Mary K. (Humes) Joseph and graduated from Old Fort High School in 1950.

He married Jeanne Kittle on Dec. 27, 1949, in Green Springs, and she survives. Mr. Joseph retired in June 1996, from Whirlpool Corp. in Clyde. He also owned Ralph's Antiques at Maplewood Gallery and was a coordinator for Baker and Bonningson, Inc., in Clyde. He was a lifetime member of the Old Fort Volunteer Fire Department and served as chief of the department for many years. He was also a member of Old Fort United Methodist Church.

Also surviving are sons Kevin of Old Fort and Gerald of Columbus; daughters Janice Shireman of Tiffin, Carol McClure of Old Fort, Linda Woodruff of Clyde and Brenda Sherer of Fremont; 10 grandchildren and one greatgrandchild; brother Lawrence of Green Springs; and sisters Lois Wise and Christine Habecker both of Old Fort and Luella Hagen of Fostoria. He is preceded by brothers Oscar, Charles Jr. and Ned, two infant sisters and sister Bernice Mutchler.

Visitation: 2 to 8 p.m. today, Engle-Young Funeral Home, Green Springs. Services: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial: Pleasant Union Cemetery, Old Fort. Memorials: Hospice of Memorial Hospital or donor's choice.

Mr Joseph graduated in 1950 from Old Fort High School. He worked at Whirlpool Corp. in Clyde and retired in June of 1996; owned and operated Ralph's Antiques at Maplewood Gallery in Clyde; and was coordinator for Baker and Bonningson, Inc. He was a lifetime member of the Old Fort Volunteer Fire Department, serving as chief for many years, and was a member of the Old Fort United Methodist Church.