Ralph Grover LaFon

Ralph Grover LaFon was born July 31, 1936, in Fayetteville, West Virginia, to parents Marvin and Gracie LaFon. He departed earth for his Heavenly home on Thursday, August 20, 2026, just 3 weeks after celebrating his 90th birthday.

In Heaven, he joined his wife of 60 years, Bobbie Jean LaFon, and his son, Johnny LaFon, both of whom preceded him in death. Other loved ones who preceded him in death were his parents, Marvin and Gracie LaFon, his brother Ronald (Margaret) LaFon, and his sisters, Janice (JL) Gibson and Barbara (Jimmy) Ingram.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Crystal LaFon (Mike) Allen; son, Gary (Eileen) LaFon, and sister, Nancy (Joe) Pope. He is also survived by his Grandchildren: Christy (Bryant) Barnett, Nicole LaFon, Lee (Brittany) Allen, Matthew Allen, and Callie Grace (Spencer) Kahalley, Garrett LaFon, Grant LaFon; Great-Grandchildren: John Alan Weaver, Aleigha Barnett, Julia Barnett, Myla LaFon, Jax Jones, Lane Allen, Ella Claire Allen, Jo’ah Eubanks, and Carter Grace Kahalley. Last but certainly not least, he is survived by his faithful companion- his beloved dog, Barkley.

Ralph LaFon retired after working many years at Ciba Geigy, to take on the role as a full-time PawPaw. While he had many roles throughout his life, being a grandfather was his favorite. Even if he saw his grandchildren daily, it was not nearly enough. He relished taking them for rides on his motorcycle or golf cart, and if they wanted pizza, then Pawpaw got pizza! Ralph not only coached his sons in football and baseball; he also assisted in coaching his grandchildren. In addition to spending time with his family, Ralph enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson with the Christian Motorcycle Association. He was also an auxiliary police officer for the City of Chickasaw, where he lived for many years and enjoyed decorating his yard for others to enjoy the Woodlore Christmas Lights. After his son’s death, Ralph found purpose in volunteering at the Wings For Life. He and Bobbie moved to their “dream home” in Saraland in 2001, where they enjoyed golf cart rides with family, friends, or Barkley. Most importantly, Ralph LaFon loved the Lord and loved reading his Bible, and he never shied away from witnessing to others and telling them about the change God had made in his life when he accepted Christ as his Savior. He was a member of Redemption Church for nearly 40 years.

In the last year, Ralph left home less and less, as his body and mind began to fail him. The family would like to thank his neighbors for assisting them when needed, as well as Mrs. Barbara Silver, who helped as a caregiver the last few months of his life.

Ralph Grover LaFon will be laid to rest next to his wife in Forest Lawn Cemetery on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The family will receive visitors at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 10am until the 11am Celebration of Life Service, followed by a Graveside Service, presided by Pastor Welles Housh, who has been a rock for Ralph and his family.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Matthew Allen, Bryant Barnett, John Alan Weaver , Spencer Kahalley, Lee Allen, and Scott Vernon. Honorary pallbearer is John O'Neil.