Ralph Tripp

Ralph E. Tripp, 89, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, July 16, 2003, at Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born March 1, 1914, at Oriole, Mo., son of Willis and Rena Atchison Tripp. He and Alma Stueve were married Aug. 24, 1945, in St. Louis.

Tripp was a meter reader and serviceman 35 years with Missouri Utilities. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded two Bronze Stars.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Wesley Tripp of Cape Girardeau; three daughters, Evelyn VanWinkle of Galesburg, Ill., Esther French of Jackson, Eileen Tripp of Cape Girardeau; three brothers, Paul Tripp of California, Denzil Tripp of High Ridge, Mo., Webb Tripp of Jackson; three sisters, Beatrice Jacobs of Jackson, Dorothy Beard of Oklahoma, Jewell Donovan of Pacific, Mo.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Loren Boettcher officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park, with military graveside rites.