Ralph William Ham

Ralph was born in Cairo, IL to Clarence and Mary Lou (Wise) Ham on February 25, 1948. Shortly after his birth, they moved to Houston, TX where he was raised. He had been retired for many years but worked in the Telecommunications field. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was heavily involved with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and was a Lifetime Committeeman. In fact, some of his last outings were to the Rodeo.

Ralph was a devoted single father and was deeply proud of his daughter, Melinda. He could almost always be found wearing his trademark cowboy hat and never met a conversation he didn't enjoy. He was a lifelong Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo supporter and a proud Lifetime Committeeman. When he wasn't talking rodeo, he was probably talking about the Houston Astros. A loyal fan through every winning season, losing season, and rebuilding year, Ralph rarely missed a game and never stopped believing the next one would be better.

He also enjoyed his firearms, trips to the shooting range, professional wrestling, and sharing stories with anyone willing to listen. Later in life, he earned a bachelor’s degree in religious education and became an ordained minister, even performing wedding ceremonies for family and close friends.

Ralph was known for his quick wit, mischievous sense of humor, and his ability to make people laugh, even when his jokes occasionally pushed the boundaries of good taste. Those who knew him best will remember his stories, his opinions, his trademark cowboy hat, and seeing him cruising the rodeo grounds on his scooter, never passing up an opportunity to stop and joke with friends.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mary Lou, and by Mary Jean Ham (Martin), the beloved mother of his daughter Melinda.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Melinda Ham; his brother Kenneth Ham and wife Belinda; his nephew Kenny Ham and wife Michelle; and several great- and great- great-nieces and nephews.

There will not be a viewing or service at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the HLSR charities he proudly supported: hhclub.org/donate.