Ralph H. McWilliams passed away on March 31, 2014, and went to join his bride of 64 years, Loraine McWilliams (Armstrong), who preceded him in death July 1, 2013. That nine month separation proved to be their longest time apart and perhaps just too much for Dad and Mom to bear. The two peas are back in their pod. He was her knight in shining armor and she was the love of his life.

Ralph’s life was full of many accomplishments: he enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and fought in World War II, was an accomplished and well respected sales manager in the trucking industry for many years, a mason for 50 years attaining 32nd degree mason standing, a member of the Ararat Shrine for 40 years as well as the Scottish Rite. He loved playing golf, fishing with family and friends, and enjoyed a good card game with his buddies. He was an avid reader of westerns and authors Michener and Cussler were two of his favorites. Upon retiring, a move to the country brought out his love of nature, particularly birds, and each one of us received a handmade bluebird house.

While his interests and accomplishments were many, what he was most proud of, his most significant accomplishment in his estimation, was his family. Anyone that knew dad knew EVERYTHING about his family. In his eyes, his kids, grand kids, great grand kids, and kids-in-law were the brightest and the best. He would practically burst with pride when he spoke about the family he created with mom and the love, connection and varied personalities and gifts he felt we brought into the world. No one was “just average”. If you stood still too long, you were subjected to the complete and unabridged, but not unembellished, life and times of the McWilliams family. Creating his “clan” with his little Irish bride brought him pride and love and we hope as time progressed, comfort.

The clan that will deeply miss Ralph includes his four children Celeste Carson, Janice McWilliams, Mark McWilliams (Leah) and Lisa Bruemmer (Kevin); his grandchildren: Matthew Keith (Peggy), Tia Schnieders (Jon), Justin, Sarah, Megan and Nathan Nicolace, Mitchell (Mysti) and Ben (Jessie) McWilliams and Carly Bruemmer; and his great grandchildren: Madeline and Nolan Keith, Noah, Aidan, Gabriel and Jude Schnieders and Brent and Blake McWilliams. Each carries their stamp. The very best of “Ralph and Lou” DNA. Dad’s legacy is a simple but powerful one: he was a good man, a devoted husband, a loving father and proud grandfather. Our hope for both dad and mom is that they rest easy now after lives well-lived and a job well done.

Celebration of Life and Visitation

A Celebration of Ralph's life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 7, 2014, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Shawnee, Kansas. A visitation will be before the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity.