Ralph Lee French, 77, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2017, at his home in Tucson, AZ. He was born in Louisville, KY, on July 13, 1940, to the late Morton French and Violet Yuhr French. He was a retired Air Force veteran of twenty years and an active member of Christ Lutheran Vail Church.
Ralph had a devout faith in Jesus Christ and loved his family and friends very deeply. He often showed this through his lively and humorous personality that lifted up all those around him. He loved to laugh and bring laughter to others. Whether it was with a joke or a Tootsie Pop, he always longed to bring a smile to someone’s face.
As a husband of forty-six years he was affectionate and caring until the very end. Always calling his wife his “sweetie pie,” he was never short on words about how much he loved her (even to the point of sometimes embarrassing her) or how blessed he was to have her in his life.
As a father he loved his children unconditionally. He always made himself available however he was needed, whether with a listening ear or a word of advice. He never shied away from displays of affection and constantly told them how proud of them he was and how much he loved them. There was never a doubt in anyone’s mind that they were his pride and joy.
Ralph was extremely proud to have been able to serve his country in the Air Force even through the Vietnam War. Whether a shirt, jacket or hat, he was often seen wearing some article of clothing identifying himself as a veteran. He felt a kinship with all others who had served, especially those who had also been to Vietnam.
He is survived by his wife Dolores French, five children, Michael Sowers, Michelle Hefner, Michael French, Ralph French Jr., and Christopher French, eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Christ Lutheran Vail Building Fund at 14600 East Colossal Road, Vail, AZ, 85641.
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