Ralph E. Legan, Sr. (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Ralph Edward Legan, Sr. of Lebanon, Missouri, passed away early Saturday morning, June 10, 2023, in Mercy Hospital in Lebanon, Missouri. Ralph was born May 18, 1934 near Long Lane, Missouri, to Dorsey Legan and Bernice Minnick Legan. At the time of his passing, he was eighty-nine years and twenty-three days old.
He was raised in the Charity, Missouri area and was a graduate of Conway High School. Following high school, he drove a truck, hauling milk from farmers to the plant. He then moved to Texas where he worked construction. It was during this time he married his true love, Betty Jean. They were married in Pecos, Texas on December 29, 1955 and lived in Texas for several years. They were married over sixty-four years before she passed away March 2, 2020.
In 1962 they returned to Lebanon, Missouri and Ralph worked for Goodyear and MFA.
In addition to his wife, Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Noah; his brothers, Dorsey David, Howard, Jesse, James and Paul; his sisters, Beulah Mae, Edna Marie and Clara Watson Bowden.
He is survived by his children, Ralph Edward “Eddy” Legan, Jr. and his wife, Debbie of Gilmore, Texas, Delbert Dwayne Legan of Lebanon, Missouri and Terry Lyle Legan and his wife, Joye of Laquey, Missouri; his brothers, Harold Legan and his wife, Phyllis of Marshfield, Missouri and Darrel Legan and his wife, Alice of Phillipsburg, Missouri; two sisters, Wilma Lewis of Halfway, Missouri and Carol Gjerde of Plainfield, Illinois; his grandchildren, Sonya and her husband, Randall, Steven and his wife, Amber, Brandi and her husband, Troy, Jason and his wife, Sami, Alexandria, Terryssa and Levi; great-grandchildren, Dalton, Alyssa, Haylee, Brandon, Blake, Allie, Hunter, Jaden, Maezie, Josh, Haydn, Gabe, Rosalie and soon to be born, Brealyn, which he said he was making room for her; and four great-great-grandchildren, Landan, Addie, Kanin and Ezra; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
One of Ralph’s favorite hobbies was Stock Car Racing. He had a passion for racing and got his sons interested in racing as well. He also liked roller skating and was among the best at telling stories. When you were around Ralph, you could always count on a good story shared by him. He also enjoyed playing basketball and had played high school basketball. He continued to play ball throughout his life.
Ralph loved his family so very much and looked forward to spending time with them as much as possible. He was fun to be around and had a great personality and sense of humor. He was knowledgeable about a lot of things and enjoyed life. The memories and stories he leaves them will be cherished and talked about for years to come.
What’s your fondest memory of Ralph?
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Share a story where Ralph's kindness touched your heart.
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