He was a state certified welder for several companies including Mansfield Structural Company, Central Soya of Bellevue, and was an accomplished heavy equipment operator for Roy Derwacter Inc. of Mansfield, Baltis Inc. of Norwalk and Chapin and Chapin Construction of Norwalk. He had an amazing work ethic, often working 18 hour days under the lights.
Ralph was a member of the Mansfield Wood Carvers, indulging in his favorite hobby of carving, which was passed down to him by his father and grandfather. He also enjoyed bowling as a member of the American Legion Bowlers.
Ralph was a loving father, grandfather and husband, always sharing his funny stories with anyone who would listen. He loved to take long rides exploring-saying if you have a full tank of gas and something to drink, you'll find new things to see and always come out somewhere that will get you back home. His favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing and exploring the woods with his dog, Skip, for hours. He enjoyed gardening, being especially proud of his tomatoes and hot peppers. He will be forever remembered for his sense of humor and being a prankster at heart.
He is survived by four children, Phyllis (Robert) Smith of Norwalk, OH, Tammy (David) Huffman of Coeburn, VA, Scott (Adrian Pritchard) Armstrong of St. Petersburg, FL and Mark Armstrong of Lake Erie Islands; five grandchildren, Beth (John) McFadden, John (Leann) Huffman, Jennifer (Rodney) Carter, Michael (Jamie) Pritchard and Regan (Jonathan) Poole; sixteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Bill Armstrong; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen (Washington) Nickelson; second wife of 53 years, Hazel (Smith) Armstrong; son, Raymond Armstrong; and brothers, Richard, Norman and David Armstrong.
A funeral service will be held Friday, March 29, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. Celebrant Mark Dettmer will conduct the service. Friends and family may visit beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Burial will be in Mansfield Cemetery at a later date with military honors presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail.
He was a state certified welder for several companies including Mansfield Structural Company, Central Soya of Bellevue, and was an accomplished heavy equipment operator for Roy Derwacter Inc. of Mansfield, Baltis Inc. of Norwalk and Chapin and Chapin Construction of Norwalk. He had an amazing work ethic, often working 18 hour days under the lights.
Ralph was a member of the Mansfield Wood Carvers, indulging in his favorite hobby of carving, which was passed down to him by his father and grandfather. He also enjoyed bowling as a member of the American Legion Bowlers.
Ralph was a loving father, grandfather and husband, always sharing his funny stories with anyone who would listen. He loved to take long rides exploring-saying if you have a full tank of gas and something to drink, you'll find new things to see and always come out somewhere that will get you back home. His favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing and exploring the woods with his dog, Skip, for hours. He enjoyed gardening, being especially proud of his tomatoes and hot peppers. He will be forever remembered for his sense of humor and being a prankster at heart.
He is survived by four children, Phyllis (Robert) Smith of Norwalk, OH, Tammy (David) Huffman of Coeburn, VA, Scott (Adrian Pritchard) Armstrong of St. Petersburg, FL and Mark Armstrong of Lake Erie Islands; five grandchildren, Beth (John) McFadden, John (Leann) Huffman, Jennifer (Rodney) Carter, Michael (Jamie) Pritchard and Regan (Jonathan) Poole; sixteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Bill Armstrong; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen (Washington) Nickelson; second wife of 53 years, Hazel (Smith) Armstrong; son, Raymond Armstrong; and brothers, Richard, Norman and David Armstrong.
A funeral service will be held Friday, March 29, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. Celebrant Mark Dettmer will conduct the service. Friends and family may visit beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Burial will be in Mansfield Cemetery at a later date with military honors presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail.
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