Ralph Lee Phelps, 71, a longtime resident of Rock Port, Missouri, passed away in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Bryan LGH Medical Center East in Lincoln, Nebraska after a brief illness. Ralph, the son of Walter and Lillie (Oswald) Phelps was born June 3, 1945 in Maryville, Missouri. After graduating from Rock Port High School in 1964, Ralph entered the United States Air National Guard and served his country during the Vietnam Era.
On May 25, 1968, Ralph was united in marriage to Janice Kay Randall at the Christian Church in Craig, Missouri. They made their home in the Atchison County area during their 48 years of marriage.
Ralph was an exceptional finish carpenter and built and remodeled homes throughout Atchison and Holt Counties. He also enjoyed farming throughout his life. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Rock Port and served there in numerous capacities including as a Board Trustee and Administrative Board member­ at ­large. He was also a member of the Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port, and actively served his community as a member of the Phelps City Dyke and Drainage Board and the Fair Oaks Senior Housing Board.
Ralph will be deeply missed and remembered most of all as a loving husband, brother and uncle, and kind friend to all who knew him. Ralph held a special place in his nieces and nephews hearts who all adored him. Ralph especially enjoyed having coffee throughout the week with friends at the ‘Wood Shed’ where he will be fondly remembered.
Besides his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by a half­ sister, Dorothy Mahan. Survivors include his devoted wife, Janice Phelps, Rock Port; brother, John (Linda) Phelps, Rock Port; nieces Joni Phelps, Colorado Springs, CO and Lisa (Phelps) Freborg and her husband, Scott, sons Myles and Jordan (Katie), as well as many other beloved brothers­ and sisters-­in­-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and their feline “girls” Prissy and Shadow.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2016 at the Rock Port United Methodist Church, 211 W. Opp St, Rock Port, MO 64482. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday in the church fellowship hall. A register book will be available at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, Minter Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will be in Hunter Cemetery, Rock Port.
Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church of Rock Port or the Rock Port Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences www.minterfuneralchapels.com ~ Services directed by Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.