Ralph Clarence McCormick

Ralph C. McCormick, 81, passed away Monday, May 16, 2011, with his family by his side. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East chapel, 11000 Florida Blvd., Wednesday, May 18, was from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home on Thursday from 8 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m., conducted by Chaplain Chris Roussell. Burial with military honors will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Lucy Jane Smith McCormick; son, Michael McCormick and his wife, Evelyn; daughter, Kathy McCormick Kedroske and her husband, Kevin Kedroske; and three granddaughters, Emilee, Aimee and Kelli Kedroske. Preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Faye McCormick; sister, Charlotte Gumaer; and nephew, Larry Gumaer. He retired from the U.S. Marine Corps with 21 years service with the rank of major in 1968 after being wounded in Vietnam. He was awarded the Legion of Merit with combat V device, Purple Heart and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with gold star. Upon returning to Baton Rouge, he worked with the Baton Rouge Police Department and the Capital District Law Enforcement Planning Council. After a run for the office of East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff, he served as chief criminal deputy sheriff under Sheriff J. Al Amiss. From there, he went to work for the Louisiana Real Estate Commission as a hearing examiner. He was a former president of the Federation of Baton Rouge Civic Associations. A longtime member and supporter of Lions International, he served on a local level in all areas of responsibility of Lions International in various positions, including president of his club and district governor of District 8N. He was also a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was dedicated to and believed in the motto, "We serve." He also enjoyed playing golf as often as he could with friends and family at Fairwood Country Club and later at the Oaks at Sherwood. He was a man who touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Special thanks to the staff at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice for the kindness and compassion he received under their care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Lions Club Handicapped Children's Camp, Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation or St. Joseph Hospice.   >