Ralph Mast, Jr., 85, of Orange passed away Saturday, April 14, 2012, at Baptist Hospital in Orange.
Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 21, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Mike Umbenhaur officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church. Inurnment will begin at 1:00 p.m., following the reception at the First Presbyterian Church Columbarium. Cremation will be under the direction of Claybar Haven of Rest Crematory and Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Neutral, Kansas on July 30, 1926, Ralph was the son of Ralph Mast, Sr. and Ruby Fern Pierce Mast. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Providence during WWII. Ralph received one section of plank when it was commissioned on May 15, 1945. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and the Little Cypress Lion's Club. He was employed by Spencer Plant in Pittsburg, Kansas until they closed in 1969, and transferred to the Gulf Chemical Plant in Orange which later became Chevron and retired after 35 years of service.
Preceded in death his parents and sisters, Winona Gail Boyes, Ralph is survived by his wife of 61 years, Stella Rickman Mast of Orange; son, Tom Joe Mast and wife, Tammy of Springfield, Missouri; and daughters, Peggy Ann Parsons of Orange, and Susan Kay Martin and husband, Wendell of Buna. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Kellen Mast, Robby Joe Parsons, Sam Lee Parsons, Stephanie Ann Parsons, Shannon Christopher Martin, Logan Pierce Martin, Jacoby Pierce Mast, Linda Walker; five great-grandchildren with one on the way; two great great-grandchildren; one niece; one nephew; and numerous other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church Youth Group, P.O. Box 129, Orange, Texas 77631.