Ralph Gerald Youngblood

Life’s Reflection

Ralph Gerald Youngblood Sr., 89, passed away on May 12, 2016 at Golden Living Center in Edwardsville, KS.  He was born on January 29, 1927 in Coolidge, TX to Robert Grover Youngblood and Beulah (Kennedy) Youngblood.   Ralph completed the eighth grade, but quit school in order to help support his family.  He later relocated to California and from there, he moved to Kansas City, KS.  Ralph had a brief career in the United States Army and later began work for Folger’s Coffee Company and Milburn’s Country Club.  He retired from both Folger’s and Milburn’s in 1988 after 30 years.   He was very involved in church and was an active member at Pleasant Green Baptist Church, until becoming one of the founding members of the Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church where he was involved in many Church functions.  He was also involved with the Buccaneers, Jayhawk Frontier International, Northeast Optimist Club of Kansas City, KS, Willa Gill Center Food Kitchen, Area Agency on Aging, Heirloom Garden Group, Countryside West Homeowners Association,   Ralph enjoyed gardening, grilling, and entertaining.  After retirement, Ralph took great pleasure in his catering business.

Ralph married Viola Mae Ferrell and they were happily married for 35 years.  They had two children, Ralph and Cheryl.  Ralph was widowed in 1986, after Viola succumbed to multiple myeloma.  In 1990 Ralph married Dorothy Mae Walker of Kansas City, KS.  They enjoyed a catering business for many years.  

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Viola; his brothers and sister, Penrow; JC; Freddie Lee; Walter Youngblood; and Malissie Roberts. 

Ralph is survived by his children, Ralph Youngblood Jr.; Cheryl Williams (Charles) and grandchildren, Corinne Viola Williams and Conner Rose Williams.  His wife, Dorothy Youngblood and her children, Rodney; Terry; Theresa Walker (Douglas) and three grandchildren, Jessica Walker; Douglas Walker, Jr.; and James Walker; siblings,  Billie Jean Mills; Venora Isom (Wardell); Lenora Smith; J.E. Youngblood (Eula); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at Thatcher’s Funeral Home, 1520 N. 5^th Street, Kansas City, KS  at 5-8p on May 20, 2016

A memorial service will be held at Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 1937 N. 32^nd Street, Kansas City, KS at 2pm on May 21, 2016 (Visitation 12-2p)

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Avenue 5^th Floor Norwalk, CT 06851.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Golden Living Center, The Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church family, Thatcher’s Funeral Home, family and friends.

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