Ralph Maxton

Ralph C. Maxton, 83, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, June 24, 2022, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Aug. 25, 1938, in Cape Girardeau to Wallace Albert and Adele Wilhelmina Obrock Maxton. He and Martha Lou Weiss were married Dec. 3, 1961, at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson.

Ralph attended Franklin Elementary School and was a 1956 graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School. He received a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (presently Missouri University of Science and Technology) in 1960.

He was a design engineer in industrial hydraulics for Denison Division of American Brake Shoe Co. in Columbus, Ohio, and then became a Natural Gas Distribution Engineer for Ameren in Cape Girardeau. He retired from Ameren in August 1998.

He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church and was a member of the chancel choir for 40 years and the Clipper Sunday School Class. He also served the church as chairman of the Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees. He served the City of Cape Girardeau on the Board of Appeals and the Planning and Zoning Commission.

He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He also belonged to the Cape Girardeau Rotary West Club of Rotary International and was a Paul Harris Award recipient. He was a past secretary and president of the club.

Ralph enjoyed traveling with his wife, Martha, to Israel, Egypt, Europe, Hawaii and destinations in the United States and Canada. He had several family vacations staying at Wyndham Resorts in Disney World, Hawaii, San Diego and Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

He built several mountain dulcimers from scratch, using walnut wood from his wife's family farm. Each of his three grandchildren and two sisters received one of the dulcimers he made. He enjoyed playing dulcimers with a small group called the Joyful Strings. He also enjoyed reading and playing cards with friends. Ralph and Martha became members of a monthly dinner club in 1978 and to the date of his death they were still enjoying their monthly dinners and fellowship.

Ralph loved his family. He was so proud of his grandchildren and was faithful in attending all tennis matches and swim meets, whether they were local, district or state. They were the joy of his life. He was a gentle, family man. He enjoyed getting together for dinners with his children and grandchildren. He was such a humble, intelligent, good natured and humorous person.

Survivors include two sisters, Wilma (the late Victor) Graden of Grinnell, Iowa, and Ruth (the late John) Mathis of Carriere, Mississippi; two sons, Daniel William (Carolyn) Maxton of Raleigh, North Carolina, and David Albert (Jacquie) Maxton of Cape Girardeau, and their children, Jordan, Jack and Megan; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Centenary United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Fred Leist officiating. Private burial will be at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorial contributions may be given to Centenary United Methodist Church or Chateau Girardeau Foundation.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.