By Staff
Ralph D. Huston, 80, a lifelong Dowagiac resident, passed away at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008.
Ralph was born March 17, 1928, to Floyd and Gertrude (Ritter) Huston.
Ralph proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of the 246th Tank Battalion, National Guard.
He was united in marriage to the former Audrey Starrett on March 12, 1949, in Cassopolis.
He enjoyed sports, having been a pitcher for the 246th Tank Battalion's fast pitch softball team and other teams in his younger years, as well as umpiring Little League and coaching Rocket Football.
Ralph also enjoyed driving his race car No. 88 and remained a fan, watching his son and nephews at local tracks.
He was an avid Jeff Gordon fan and watched the Chicago Bears and Notre Dame football.
Ralph enjoyed bowling, going to the casino and spending time with his family and friends.
Ralph retired after 30 years of service from Tyler Refrigeration in 1990.
Ralph is survived by: his wife of 59 years, Audrey Huston of Dowagiac; his son Scott (Connie) Huston of Decatur; four granddaughters, Audra (Mike) Finney, Amanda (Rick) Kedik, Heather (Joe) Pauley and Beth (Tim) Warner; eight great- grandchildren, Ashley, Seth, Alyssa, Marina, Caitlon, Madison, Samantha and Allison; and one brother, Dwain (Bonnie) Huston of Dowagiac.
Ralph was preceded in death by: two children, Ralph Huston Jr. and Dixie Morse; one brother, Aubrey Huston; and five sisters, Virginia Byrnes, Pauline Peoples, Geraldine Starrett, Doris White and Sharon Zachary; and his companion Inky, his dog.
His family will gather with friends on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, where his funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. led by family friend Bob Howard.
He will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Sister Lakes.
Memorial contributions in Ralph's name may be directed to Dowagiac Moose Lodge 933 Children's Christmas Fund.
Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Ralph at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.