Ralph William Blume

Ralph William Blume was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 18, 1938 and passed on January 13, 2017 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandy Blume, and three daughters; Kathy Bowman and husband Noel of Oak Point, TX, Karen Branch and husband Jeff of Arlington, TX and Kim Balderas and husband Sam of Burleson, TX. He also has four grandchildren, Haden, Reid, Jackson and Ryan. He is preceded in death by his father Ralph H. Blume, mother Katherine, and step-mother Bonnie.

Ralph was raised in Chicago, attended college at both Oklahoma A&M University and Elmhurst College where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree. Most of his career was spent in Research and Development for Searle Labs, Alcon Labs, and Adams Laboratories. He holds several patents for his work including one for the sustained release formulation of guaifenesin, also known as Mucinex. While working at Searle labs, he met and married his wife Sandy. They moved from Chicago to Fort Worth, Texas in 1974 where they remained to raise their family.

Ralph enjoyed traveling and fishing but spent most of his free time swimming in his backyard pool. He was a gentle giant, but would offer up a punchline in any situation, his quick wit was effortless and always entertained the crowd. He loved his family, was proud of his daughters, and was a friend to many.

The family wishes to thank the many caregivers, nurses and aides who have offered support to him over the last several years.