Ralph Davy How, a resident of Blue Springs, MO., passed away peacefully Sunday, April 30, 2023, at the age of 78 with his loving family by his side. Ralph was born January 12, 1945 in Kansas City, MO to Ralph and Mary Bernice (Davy) How.
He graduated from Northeast Senior High School in 1962. On August 31, 1968, he married Beverly Ann Howie. They were married for nearly 29 years before her passing in 1996.
He was a caring and devoted father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who loved spending time with his family and friends. He spent many wonderful years with his later love, Sharon Ryan.
Ralph worked primarily in the concrete industry with Fordyce Concrete, later with LaFarge Concrete, ultimately retiring from Belger Cartage.
Fireworks – Ralph’s interest in fireworks began when he was just ten years old. His mother owned a fireworks stand in the Fairmount area of Independence, MO during his youth. He was her “official fireworks tester.” When Ralph joined the Sunset Optimist Club of Blue Springs in 1990, he suggested a fireworks tent fundraiser. Ever since, the annual fireworks tent has been the club’s biggest fundraiser each year.
This has had enormous impact for area youth over the past 33 years, enabling many new youth programs and scholarships. Ralph served as Optimist Club past president, bingo chairman, fishing derby organizer, and in the West Missouri Optimist District with the Missouri Leadership Seminar for youth and as Lt. Governor. He also volunteered at many Parks and Rec activities and was nominated as Blue Springs Citizen of the Year. Ralph never knew a stranger and was always eager to help others.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph Frederick How and Mary Bernice (Davy) and wife Beverly Ann (Howie) How. Ralph is survived by his son, Richard A. How of Blue Springs, MO, grandson, Evan A. How of Kansas City, MO, and his granddaughter Moon.
His family will receive friends and family from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St, Blue Springs, MO. Burial will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs, MO. Memories of Ralph and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
Ralph was probably the Busiest Optimist I ever met. I really thought the world of him. I believe he was one of my finest Mentors I had within my Optimist Family. Rest in peace brother, Heaven Gained a True Angel… 🙏🙏🙏
I always enjoyed talking to Ralph at all our Optimist events, but working the fireworks tent with him was my favorite. All 3 of my kids have been helping him at the tent since they were old enough to help. Optimist Club won’t be the same.
Sarah and I worked alongside Ralph for many years with the Missouri Leadership Seminar and before that, HOBY. Always willing to do whatever needed doing, he was an inspiration to all who interacted with him. Ralph will be greatly missed.
We had the pleasure of working with Ralph for many years during the 4th of July season. His smile and kind words will be missed….
To the family of a mighty hard, optimist worker, always caring for youth. I am proud to have known him and called him an optimist brother. Ralph was always willing to help support WEMO Junior golf. He spent many times attending qualifying tournaments and helping me wherever needed. I was shocked and saddened to read of his passing so quickly. God be with his family and we as optimist can wholeheartedly say Jesus has received a wonderful addition to the group of optimistic brothers and sisters in Heaven.
At the last district meeting Rebecca sat with Ralph and enjoyed his conversation. He had a willing, smiling endeavor that was always on display.
I met Ralph or “Ralphie” as I affectionately called him approximately 15 years ago at the southside optimist club bingo hall.
I have worked security for him at the bingo hall and his fireworks tent every year since.
I was always in admiration at how hardworking and involved he was with the optimist club.
I am always amazed at how selfless and giving of their time for FREE that ALL of the optimist club members are.
Ralph had the fireworks tent down to the science.
It was amazing to watch him set everything up year after year. It was perfect.
He always took very good care of us
(the Deputies) , and we will never forget it.
He always had a kind word, a smile, a funny joke, or a small gift for your dog.
The bingo hall lights just got a little dimmer with his passing.
It was an honor to have known this man and his kind heart for all of these years.
God bless his family and friends in this time of loss.