1918
Ralph
2015
Ralph Shackelford
July 21, 1918 — December 18, 2015
Ralph Shackelford, 97, of Platte County, Mo passed away December 18, 2015. Funeral services will be 10:30 am Monday December 21st at Platte Woods United Methodist Church, 7310 NW Prairie View Rd., with visitation preceding services 9:30 – 10:30 am. Entombment at Terrace Park Cemetery.
Ralph was born July 21, 1918 in Platte County Missouri to Barbara (Tull) and William Preston Shackelford. He lived his entire life in Platte County, except for his years in the US Army from August 1944 to January 1946. During that time, he participated in two major battles – The Battle of the Bulge and the battle to take and hold the Bridge at Remagen.
On May 18, 1947, he married Mary Edna Bales of Lawson, MO. Ralph held a number of jobs following his discharge from the army including farming and substitute mail carrier. But the major portion of his working life was spent as a mechanic with TWA, from which he retired.
Ralph spent a great deal of time outside of work teaching horsemanship to members of the 4H club and many other kids and adults. He was very active with the Platte County Fair Association. The horse arena at the Platte County Fair Grounds is named in his honor. Ralph was also active in the VFW, Masons, and Shriners.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Edna Shackelford in 2012. He leaves behind a sister, Dorothy Shackelford Miller of Smithville and a brother, Donald Shackelford of Belle Chase, LA. Also, he leaves behind 14 nieces and nephews. His is preceded in death by six brothers, four sisters, and six nieces and one nephew.
He also leaves behind a multitude of friends from all across the country. Online condolences may be left at TerraceParkFuneral.com.
Ralph was born July 21, 1918 in Platte County Missouri to Barbara (Tull) and William Preston Shackelford. He lived his entire life in Platte County, except for his years in the US Army from August 1944 to January 1946. During that time, he participated in two major battles – The Battle of the Bulge and the battle to take and hold the Bridge at Remagen.
On May 18, 1947, he married Mary Edna Bales of Lawson, MO. Ralph held a number of jobs following his discharge from the army including farming and substitute mail carrier. But the major portion of his working life was spent as a mechanic with TWA, from which he retired.
Ralph spent a great deal of time outside of work teaching horsemanship to members of the 4H club and many other kids and adults. He was very active with the Platte County Fair Association. The horse arena at the Platte County Fair Grounds is named in his honor. Ralph was also active in the VFW, Masons, and Shriners.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Edna Shackelford in 2012. He leaves behind a sister, Dorothy Shackelford Miller of Smithville and a brother, Donald Shackelford of Belle Chase, LA. Also, he leaves behind 14 nieces and nephews. His is preceded in death by six brothers, four sisters, and six nieces and one nephew.
He also leaves behind a multitude of friends from all across the country. Online condolences may be left at TerraceParkFuneral.com.
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