Ralph J. Brizendine, 84, passed away on October 1, 2020, in Boonville, MO. A visitation will held from 5:00 pm -8:00 pm, Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at William Woods Funeral Home in Boonville, MO. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at William Woods Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boonville.
Ralph, the oldest of 10 children, was born to Leonard and Katherine (Strickfaden) Brizendine on February 1, 1936 in Prairie Home, MO. He married Frances Griesbach on March 10, 1956. They made their home in Kansas City, MO, where he worked as a plumber for over 40 years. They had 3 children: Sandra, Janet and Tony. Frances passed away July 10, 1999. In January 2000, Ralph married Jackie Hickam of Bunceton, MO. They made their home in Boonville, MO.
Ralph enjoyed being outdoors, family, and fishing. One of Ralph’s favorite things to do was to sit on the front porch with his dog, Rusty, and wave at the neighbors as they passed by. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America for 18 years, as well as the Bunceton Rural Fire Department for 6 years, and was a member of the National Guard.
Ralph is survived by wife, Jackie, of the home; daughters, Sandra Lawrence (Steve), Janet Glidewell (Bernie); son, Tony Brizendine; step-children, Jeff Hickam (Helen) and Crystal Townlain (Joe); grandchildren, Becky, Cristen, Heather, Sean Hunter, Jamie, Richie, James, Courtney, Kristen, Joshua, and Eli; 18 great grandchildren; sisters, Ruby Freeze, Dorothy Maddex, and Helen Elliot; brothers, Wilbur, Bobby, Jimmy, and Kenny Brizendine; sister-in-law, Florene Hickam; and Rusty, the family dachshund.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Frances; sister, Loretta Reeves; brother, Frank; sister-in-law, Pat Hein; and brothers-in-law, Othar Reeves, Jim Hickam, and Howard Hein.