Ralph Grapner

Ralph Grapner, age 80, a resident of Portland, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2016, at his home in Portland. 

Ralph was born on March 30, 1935, in Adams County, Indiana, the son of Lloyd and Mary Margaret (Tucker) Grapner.   He married Rosie Schmidt on June 19, 1955.  Ralph was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Korea.   He owned and operated Rosie’s Flowers in Portland, Vernon Schmidt Garage in Portland and Jayland Food Service. 

Ralph’s memberships include the Portland Morning Optimist Club, Jay County Historical Society where he served as Treasurer, life member of the Salamonia VFW, Museum of the Soldier, Portland American Legion Post #211 and the Jay County Fair Association. 

Ralph was a charter member of the Portland Morning Optimist Club where had perfect attendance for 40 years and served as Treasurer and President.  He served on the Jay County Fair Queen Committee for over 30 years.   Ralph was a member of the Jay County Fair Association for 39 years where he served as Vice President of the fair association in 1978 and 1979 and treasurer from 1981 to 1985.   He was recently inducted into the Indiana Association of Fairs Hall of Fame in 2016. 

Ralph served as director emeritus for the Indiana Morgan Horse Show and the Morgan Gold Cup Regional Horse Show in Columbus, Ohio.

Survivors include:

His wife of 60 years:  Rosie Grapner – Portland, Indiana

1 daughter:  Chris Dugan – Portland, Indiana

2 sisters:  Donna Moden (husband Don) – Celina, Ohio

                Imogene Lawhead – Portland, Indiana

3 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter

Visitation will be held on Saturday from 3-7 p.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home in Portland.  Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  Pastor Darrell Borders will officiate.  The American Legion Post #211 will conduct military honors at the funeral home on Saturday following the service.  

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