Ralph Phillips

Ralph E. Phillips, 72, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, at his home.

Ralph was born May 8, 1943, in Cape Girardeau to Walter and Virginia Heise Phillips.

He was educated at the former Hanover School and graduated valedictorian of College High in 1961. Ralph was the first in his family to attend college. He was awarded a scholarship to attend Southeast Missouri State University and then transferred to Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri, earning a degree in civil engineering in 1966.

After marrying Betty McGee, he began his career at McDonnell Douglas in the space program. Ralph then worked in Sikeston, Missouri, for nine years for the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department. He finished his career as the district engineer for Cape Special Road District. He served in that role for 30 years.

Ralph was a kind, hard-working man, and he would greet everyone he met with a friendly smile. He was dearly loved and cherished by family and friends. He and Betty were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in June.

Ralph was a member of Cape County Cowboy Church, as well as the Antique Tractor Club. His hobbies included raising cattle, collecting antique toys, restoring tractors and working outdoors on the farm.

Loving survivors include his wife, Betty McGee Phillips; son, Mark (Kellie) Phillips of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Christina (James) Green of Clarkston, Washington; grandchildren Morganne (Andrew) Nabors, Luke Phillips and Gavin, Carson, Macy and Trace Green. Ralph was expecting his first great-grandson in August. Surviving siblings include brothers Gene (Clara) Phillips and Harold (Erna) Phillips; a sister, Viola (Wesley) Bock, and brother-in-law, Melvin Eggimann; brother-in-law, Steve (Sandy) McGee; sister-in-law, Gina (Tom) Taggart; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Anna Lee Eggimann; a brother-in-law, Danny McGee; and in-laws, Robert and Rosemary McGee.

Visitation will be from noon to 3 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 3 p.m., with pastor James Green officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be given to Cape County Cowboy Church.

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