Ralph W. Atterberry, 89, of Montgomery City, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Columbia.
Ralph W. Atterberry was born April 3, 1935, near Bluffton, son of John F. Atterberry and Katie Elizabeth Atterberry. Ralph married Mary Andrews on October 20, 1967, in Montgomery City. They had 57 wonderful years together and raised six children.
Ralph served in the United States Army March 5, 1958 to February 27, 1960; he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and then spent 18 months in Germany and was honorably discharged. After the Army Ralph went to work for Fipps, Inc. in Wellsville as a welder. After 13 years he then went to work for Binkley’s in Warrenton, where he retired in 2001 after 26 years. He decided that he was not ready to sit around and went to work part time for Higgins Electric for 19 years. Finally, at the age of 86, he decided it was time to finish working.
Ralph was a member of the Old Threshers Association and enjoyed taking care of the antique car building for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, going to parades and car shows in his 1952 Ford F-1 truck. Ralph also enjoyed fishing and going to bluegrass shows. In the early years, Ralph and Mary loved going to country and western dances.
Ralph was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather; he never met a stranger and was a friend for life. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Mary Atterberry; children, Phil (Betty) Johnson, Tony Johnson, Kevin (Alma) Johnson, Michelle (Ken) Kessler and Gary (Jennifer) Atterberry; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, John and Katie Atterberry; brother, Floyd Atterberry; daughter, Valerie Grace Johnson; nephew, Thomas Atterberry; and niece, Sheryl Atterberry.
A funeral service with full military honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 16 at Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, with Harry Johnson officiating the services. Interment will follow in the Montgomery City Cemetery. Casketbearers include Richard Jurgesmeyer, Tom O'Keefe, Sid West, Dave Colbert, Ernie Higgins and Clint Henness. Honorary casketbearers include Kenny Jurgesmeyer, Rusty Harrison, Wade Andrews, Pat Gruber and Gary Heim.
A visitation will be held on Dec. 16 at Schlanker Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Old Threshers Association, in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361.
