Ralph F. Evans 1921 - 2012

Cortland - Ralph F. Evans, 91, passed away Sunday, November 18, 2012, following a brief illness.

Ralph was born September 8, 1921, in Warren, the son of Thomas W. and Eva May (Fenton) Evans, Sr.

Ralph was a lifelong resident of Trumbull County. He graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1941. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a combat engineer with B Company, 9th Armored Engineer Battalion, 9th Armored Division. He served in the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. His division defended St. Vith during the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded. Later his unit captured the Ludendorf Bridge at Remagen, where he was among the first American forces to cross the Rhine River. He was awarded the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze campaign stars, the Purple Heart Medal, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, and 2 Presidential Unit Citations.

Ralph retired from Warren Tool Corp. after 33 years of service. He was a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Warren, the American Legion Post 278 of Warren, The DAV, the national VFW and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge.

Ralph married the former Jeannette Church on August 19, 1950. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage; two sons; Barry Evans of Cortland and Richard (Diane) Evans of Cortland; two grandchildren, Audrey and Daniel Evans.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Harlan T. and Thomas W. Evans, Jr.

Family and friends may call from 10:00 - 11:00 am Wednesday at Crown Hill Chapel, Vienna, Ohio. Service will immediately follow with Pastor Charles Davis officiating.

Interment will follow at Crown Hill Burial Park, where military rites will be observed.

Selby Funeral Home handled the arrangements.