Ralph W. Neighbors

Ralph W. Neighbors, Sr, 88, of Mansfield, passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018, surrounded by his family.Ralph was born on November 20, 1929, in Morgantown, WV, to Charles F. and Elsie (Swanigan) Neighbors. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, spending 18 ½ months in Germany during the Korean War. On December 24, 1950, he married his sweetheart, Esther (Sampsel) Neighbors, and she preceded him in death on July 10, 2017.Ralph was well known and respected for many years as the Mansfield Cemetery Superintendent. He loved his job, and showed great pride in caring for the cemetery. An article was written about Ralph in the News Journal in 1981, detailing the care and commitment that he had for the cemetery, He started working there in 1964, when graves were dug by hand. The job suited him, as he had a deep love for the outdoors. Maintenance and care of the grounds and planting flowers went hand in hand with his love of vegetable gardening. He also had a love of fishing. Ralph's son, Ralph Jr, took over the job upon his retirement, and the same love for the grounds continued. During his retirement, he spent many hours with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by three daughters, JoAnn (Rod) Lucas, Mari (Frank) Dulin, and Janet (William) Hagans, all of Mansfield; five grandchildren, Ricky Miller Jr, Heather (Joe) Reilly, Mikayla Leicy, Hilary (Nathan) Hedrick, and Amanda Neighbors; four step-grandchildren, Jeremy Lucas, Crystal Trainer, Carrie Rhodes, and Tony Dulin; and seven great-grandchildren, Juliana Reilly, Malachi, Isaiah, Cassia, and Lilliana Miller, Xavier Miller, and Daevon Leicy. Along with his wife, Esther, Ralph is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ralph Neighbors Jr, his daughter-in-law, Patty Neighbors, and twelve siblings.Calling hours will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2018 at Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, ltd., 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, OH. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mansfield Cemetery. To send a memorial gift to the family of Ralph W. Neighbors please visit our Sympathy Store.

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