He was born October 1, 1935 in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Texas in 1972 where he resided until the Lord called him home. Ralph was widely recognized as being a very giving man, always willing to help anyone and everyone without question.
He was a loving and affectionate husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. After the eighth grade, he quit school to work and to help his parents provide for their family of 13. His livelihood took him through a wide range of jobs in his lifetime. He sold concessions at the Horseshoe at THE Ohio State University, operated a ride (The Octopus) at a local carnival, worked at a poultry market, painted houses with his father, and he even worked for Pepsi at one time. Later, he worked in the oilfield industry, the refineries, and his last job before retirement was working with his youngest brother in his insulation business.
All the while, all of Ralph's spare time was spent with his family where they chased adventures together on camping and fishing trips, road trips across the country, game nights (sometimes all-day game days!), and backyard BBQ's, where Ralph's, the consummate host's, motto was always "the more the merrier." In fact, he always welcomed people to his home with open arms and food, and he did not need a holiday to celebrate life--his celebrations beckoned all to games of horseshoes, softball, and, of course, the Gunn Family's infamous water fights.
As a teen, Ralph loved playing football (and yes, he wore those leather "helmets" when he played), and he could often be found attending country music concerts at dance halls, fairs and festivals, and where he enjoyed square dancing, and that is how he met his soon-to-be wife. It was love at first sight for the couple.
He is fondly remembered for his fantastic sense of humor, his love of going fishing, playing card games, watching horror movies and westerns, and being a die-hard sports fan (especially baseball and football), but mostly, Ralph was known for being the devoted family man. He gave his wife and two children lots of love, hugs, and smiles, and absolutely adored his grandchildren and his great grandchildren, sharing with them his life
He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Eleanor Gunn, his sister Delores Morrison, his brothers Ray and James Gunn and his two best friends Pat Collins and George Rammage.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Clara Kelly Gunn; his children Pamela Elaine Glasson and Ralph Alan Gunn; his grandchildren Bradley Allen (Katie) Gunn, Kameron Michelle (Thomas) Blair, Shaun Wesley Glasson, Victoria LeAnn (Ruben) Rodriguez and Valerie Dannette (Jay) Kalka; his great grandchildren Mariana, Ruben James and Aiden; his brothers and sisters Ed, Peggy, Sharon, Eleanor, Steve, Linda and Donald; family and extended family members; and numerous friends. He will be missed by all.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CageMillsFuneralDirectors.com for the Gunn family.
