Ralph Rand

Ralph L. Rand, 75, of Mansfield, passed Friday, March 2, 2012 at his home. Born December 19, 1936 in Mansfield, he was the son of Ralph Udell and Helen (Grumbling) Rand. Ralph was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School in 1955. He had worked at the YMCA, drove taxi #42 for the Safety Cab for many years, and also helped at Nicholson’s Grocery and considered the Nicholsons as family. Ralph was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, Chapter B and enjoyed riding his 1987 blue and silver Honda Aspencade. In 2003 Ralph won a red Honda Gold Wing with matching cargo trailer at Wings Over the Smokies and later added chrome and made it a show bike that he was very proud of. He enjoyed being with his Gold Wing people and very much liked Bike Night at Mr. T’s. Ralph loved to do crossword puzzles at the Jolly Pirate Donut Shoppe on Park Avenue West. He also enjoyed going to Kruzins to drink coffee, do his puzzles, and see his friends and regular customers.

He is survived by his friend and companion, Susan Craig; daughter, Tonya Rand Patterson of Rialto, CA; sons, Rory Rand, Ricky Rand, Ralph “Randy” Rand, Jr., and Leslie Rand, all of Lincoln Nebraska; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Helene Thompson of Mansfield and her children, Ron Thompson and Kay Lambert; cousins, Al and Marilyn Pannell of Idaho and friends, Ron and Judy Norris of Tucson, AZ and Shirley Nicholson of Mansfield. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Riley Rand.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Diamond St. Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. Friends may call one hour prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or a charity of the donor’s choice.