Ralph Eugene Funk, 96, entered eternal life on July 17, 2024, at Charlestown Place Long Term Care Hospice in New Albany, Indiana.  He was born February 23, 1928 in New Amsterdam, Indiana.  He was the oldest son of Clyde and Vergie Funk. Ralph loved the outdoors, hunting, and fishing.  As an adult his hobbies included horse races at Churchill Downs, rooting for Ford drivers in NASCAR races.

He joined the Navy during World War II. After training at the Great Lakes Naval Facility he traveled to Seattle. He shipped out on the Destroyer USS Prichett where it joined in the invasion of Okinawa.  The Pritchett was engaged in active firefights and was struck by a Japanese kamikaze pilot causing extensive damage and the death of two crewmen.

Upon his return to the states he was stationed in San Diego.  He was joined in San Diego by his "girl", Violet Byrum. He married the love of his life in 1946.  They were married for 76 years.

Ralph and Vi returned home after the war where they raised a family.  Ralph was employed by B.F Goodrich and became a quality control specialist.  He retired in 1981 after 30 years at Goodrich.  Ralph was an accomplished mechanic and took great pride in his cars.

Ralph and Vi fulfilled their dreams when they retired in Lakeland, Florida where they lived until 1999 when they returned to Sellersburg Indiana.  Ralph was known as a kind and quiet man who lived his life with honesty, hard work and dignity.

He was predeceased by his parents, beloved wife Violet, and siblings Larry Funk, Daryl Funk, Shirley Brown and Ruth Chinn.  Ralph is survived by his brother Gary Funk.  He will be missed by his surviving children and spouses Dwight and Margaret Funk, Deborah Creech,, and Donna  and Jim Carlberg; 7 grandchildren,  16 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the Garr Funeral Home (7806 Highway 311, Sellersburg, Indiana 47172)  burial with military honors to follow at Edwardsville Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riverbend Assisted Living or St. Croix Hospice.