Ralph Dean Gayler, the son of Thomas and Bessie (Seabourn) Gayler, was born October 16, 1921, in Winslow, Arkansas. He grew up on a farm east of Rock Port, Missouri, and attended a rural area school. On July 15, 1942, Ralph entered the United States Army, where he served his country during World War II. He received his honorable discharge on December 15, 1945.

On May 15, 1943, Ralph was united in marriage to Eva Millsap in Tarkio, Missouri, while he was in Army training for World War II. They became the parents of two children, Ron and Larry, and made their home in Rock Port after being discharged in 1945. Eva passed away in 1996.

Ralph was employed by Atchison-Holt Electric and was an original lineman, working to become a manager of the cooperative, retiring in 1986.

Ralph was a member of First Lutheran Church and Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port, earning his 75th year membership. He enjoyed woodworking and traveling to Ron’s to spend time with grandchildren. Ralph passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, at the age of 99.

Besides his parents and wife, Eva Gayler, Ralph was preceded in death by son, Larry “Cotton” Gayler; two sisters; and two brothers. Survivors include son, Ron (Barbara) Gayler, Youngsville, Louisiana; grandchildren, Randy Gayler, Joplin, Missouri, Erin (Jason) Jones, Austin, Texas, and Jessica (Corey) Morgan, Youngsville; great-grandchildren, Jack, Hank, and Kate Morgan, Youngsville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside service and inurnment will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Hunter Cemetery, Rock Port. Military rites will be under the auspices of Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49. There is no visitation. Memorials may be directed to the Rock Port Senior Center. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services are under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.