Ralph Short

Ralph Wayne Short, 79, passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, surrounded by his wife and family at his home in Jackson.

Born in Puxico, Mo., Aug. 21, 1926, Ralph was the son of Gilbert and Lillian Jennings Short.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel L. Maples Short, whom he married Aug. 9, 1948, in Puxico; two sons, Dr. DeWayne Short of Boyd, Texas, Michael Short of East Peoria, Ill.; two daughters, Marilyn Dauw of Cleveland, Ohio, Monica Brown of Albuquerque, N.M.; two brothers, David Short of Hubert, N.C., Gilbert Short Jr. of Pittsburg, N.H.; and six grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and two sisters.

Mr. Short was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, retiring after 21 years and 4 months of service; and was also retired from Aetna Life and Casualty in Peoria, Ill., after 10 years of service. He was the state safety director for the state of New Mexico, retiring from there after 11 years of service. He finally retired from all work service in 1989.

Mr. Short was a member and usher of the First Baptist Church in Jackson since 1993, where he was active in the church pageants and productions.

Mr. Short loved bowling, golf and fishing, and participated as often as he could.

Friends may call today from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

The funeral service will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Carter Frey officiating. Interment will follow in Puxico Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

I will wait to hear from you.