Ralph Oldham

At the age of 17 Ralph left his hometown and came to Gary, IN and started working for Inland Steel where he was employed until he retired. He is a veteran of the US Army. Ralph was a resident and business owner in Gary IN for 70 years! He owned and operated Oldham’s Salvage & Towing. Aside from that him and his wife Dorothy maintained a Home Rental business.

Ralph is survived by his Granddaughters Elsie Powell, Saretha Cowart, and Nancy (Jimmy) Cowart. Great Grandchildren Michelle, Vanessa, Virgil, Jason, Maegan, Amanda, Ray, Linda, Jayden, Serenity, Josh, Hailey, Braedon, Landen, Emily, Robert, and Danny. Sister Maxine(Jerald) Walker.

Proceeded in death by his parents Birdie and Cecil Oldham, his loving wife of 50 years Dorothy Mae Oldham. His daughter and son in law Linda Sue and Landen Lee Cowart. Grand children Virgil Lee Powell Jr., Landen Lee Cowart II, and Mary Cowart.

After retirement Ralph spent most of his time still working!!! In the garage or on rental homes. Him and Dorothy had numerous tenants over the years, some for nearly 20 years in the same home! Most called him Grandpa! He loved being around family. The more the merrier! All the kids knew growing up Grandpa always had a pack of gum in his shirt pocket. His pet parrot even mocked the kids “Grandpa got some gum”! He enjoyed spending time with all of them including his Great Great Grand children Elissa, Raylynn, Raymond, and Bryson.

One of Ralph’s favorite things to do was call his Granddaughter Elsie to “Go for a ride!” They loved their trips to the casino, whether it was a 15 minute ride or they made a day of it!

Friends may visit with the family on Monday, December 13, 2021 from 1:00 to 7:00 PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland IN. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Kuiper Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor John Hoffmaster. Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Oldham family.