Ralph David Crown

Ralph David Crown passed away peacefully in his home Saturday, December 16, 2023, while surrounded by family. He is preceded in death by his father David, sister Davetta, brother Lanny, and great grandson Parker. He is survived by his mother Lucy, wife Adele, daughter Mellisa, son Kevin, grandchildren Angie, Tyson, Madelyn, and great-grandchildren Haley and Everly

Ralph was born November third, 1944, in Knoble Arkansas to David R. Crown and Lucy M. Crown (Wilder). When he was a baby, Ralphs family moved to Clay City Illinois where he was raised. As a young boy, Ralph liked to hunt, fish, and play in the woods around his family’s home. In high school Ralph worked at the local filling station, played baseball, and ran track where he set records in pole-vaulting.

After graduating high school in 1962 Ralph joined the United States Marine Corps. He served as a mechanic and crew chief for the F8 Crusader and C47 Skytrain. He always credited his clean-cut appearance and attention to detail to his time in the Marines. After leaving the service, Ralph began a career with Trans World Airlines (TWA) where he spent over 30 years. In addition to working for TWA, Ralph was an entrepreneur. He owned and operated laundromats and started a vehicle transportation business.

In 1988 while working for TWA, Ralph met his wife Adele, and the two of them were married the following year. They had one son, Kevin, and spent 35 loving years together living in St. Louis MO. Family was everything for Ralph. He loved to drive “Home” to Southern Illinois to visit his parents and extended family on holidays and long weekends. He was an exceptional father and husband and could always be counted on to make life a little easier for the people around him. Neighbors often found him cutting their grass or shoveling their driveway just to be helpful.

Ralph loved to drive across the United States and went on countless work trips and vacations to all corners of the country. It seemed as if he had the intestate system memorized and only occasionally stopped to look at a map or GPS. He tried to see a sunrise or sunset in every state and was able to pass his love for travel and adventure on to his children and grandchildren.

In his final year, Ralph continued doing what he loved. He spent time fishing with his best friend and driving across the country to spend time with his grandchildren.  He loved his family, he loved his country, and he loved life. He will be missed tremendously, and his optimistic and loving spirit will live on through his family and friends forever.

Ralph will be buried at Foster Hill Cemetery in Clay City Illinois and memorial services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to go to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

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