Ralph Edward Boyer

Ralph Edward Boyer passed away at his home surrounded by his family on November 29, 2020. He was born September 12, 1926 in Parma, Missouri to the late Alice and Cecil Boyer. He graduated from Sikeston High School in 1944. Boyer enlisted in the Navy that year and served in the Philippines until honorably discharged in 1946.

In 1948, he married Martha Jane Lewis who survives. They were married for 72 years and had three children, David Boyer (deceased), Philip (Janice) Boyer, and Sally Boyer Lape.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Carol Sue Branum. His grandson David Cooper Lape also preceded him in death. He is survived by two sisters and three brothers, Norma Jeanne Wheeler, Cecilia Norton, Robert Boyer, Gary Boyer, and Larry Boyer.

He is survived by three grandchildren, Megan (Jared) Straton, Katie (Ryan) Merideth, and Riley Lape. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Macalister and Griffin Straton, Wyatt, Ben, and Luke Merideth.

Boyer began working full time for his father after the Navy, then started Ralph E. Boyer Contractor, Inc. on his own in 1950. He constructed the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Sikeston, Missouri where he was also a member, served as Deacon, Elder, Chairman of many departments, and Chairman of the Board. Together with his wife, they established the First Christian Church Scholarship Fund. He also served on the Board of the Bank of Sikeston and the Missouri Delta Hospital Board. He built the Sikeston Senior High School campus at its current location in 1960. He was a member of the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce and served as President in 1965. While serving as President of the Chamber, he was responsible for bringing Ronald Reagan as the guest speaker for the annual banquet. In the 1970’s he established Delta Video Cable with his good friend Steve Bell.

Boyer was appointed and served on the Scott County Commission by Governor John Ashcroft.

In 2019, he received his 70 year Masonic Lodge pin.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Missouri Delta Medical Center, or a charity of their choosing.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com