Ralph Lynn Gladden

Ralph Lynn Gladden died peacefully at his home after a short illness. He was born July 5,1949 and died October 17, 2014. To quote his daughter, Michelle on hearing of her father’s death, “God welcomed a wonderful man to Heaven today.”

He was preceded in death by his Mother Bertha Gary Gladden his father Ralph Dee Gladden, his son James Andrew Gladden, and his brother Michael Jay Gladden.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Berkshire Gladden, his daughter, Michelle Gladden Snyder, her husband, Reed; three grandchildren, Samantha Snyder, Tripp Snyder and Drew Snyder; his sister, Debbie Gladden Panky and her husband John; his mother-in-law, Frances O’Harrow Berkshire, and brother-in-law, Dr. Jim Berkshire. With his jovial and unique personality he will be missed by many other relatives, friends, and colleagues throughout the oil patch.

He began his career at Waukesha Pierce followed by several years at CSI before establishing his own company Gladden Service Company. After selling his company, he found his way to Dresser- Rand. He was considered the best in his field of gas compression and until his death consulted, diagnosed and passed forward his extensive knowledge and wisdom while working for Energy Transfer-Regency.

Ralph was a friend’s friend, a man’s man, and a lover of life. If you were his friend no task was too tough, no sacrifice too big, no trip too long, no hour too late; he would do whatever was needed to help a friend.

Ralph was foremost a family man and loved unconditionally. Whether coaching Jamie’s baseball team, playing a round of golf with Michelle or laying kitchen tile for Barbara, Ralph could always be found openly expressing his love for his family. He adored his grandchildren who lovingly called him “Papa Ralphie”. As Mary and Charles Carlson stated, “to Ralph love was more than words; love was something you do.”

Visitation will be Monday, October 20, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Frank Wilson Funeral Home. Services will be at First Baptist Church Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Burial is to follow at Sunset Cemetery beside his beloved son, Jamie.