Ralph Delmar Fitch, Jr.

Ralph Delmar Fitch, Jr, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, June 21st, 2023  in Greenup, IL.  He was born October 24th, 1932 to Ralph Dean Fitch Sr. and Edith Vonda Cook in Hazel Dell, Illinois.  Growing up on the farm he was a member of the Hazel Dell Church of God.  He married Shirley Joan Carson on November 26th, 1953 and they enjoyed 69 wonderful years together.

They had twin sons which he mentioned often to anyone who would listen. Bradley Dean (Marie) of Greenup and Bryan Clinton (Terri) of Herrin, Illinois.  Grand children Bryce (Jennifer) Fitch and Chelsea (Nate) Messmer.   Ralph’s grandchildren also included Doug (Toni) Painter, Natalie (Garett) Guzman and Jill (Josh) Clark. Great grand children Eden Fitch, Blythe Fitch, Maxwell Messmer, Alex (Kalen) Painter, Lydia Painter and Amelia Painter.  Great great-grand-child Emerson Painter. Two sisters Erma Jean Devall and Ruth Fitch and special nieces and nephews, Natalie Young, Kimberly Skidmore and Rick Davidson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and sisters, Denese Fitch, Ethelyn Humphrey, LeDonna Henderson and Herschella Kreitlein.

Ralph was a member of the First Christian Church of Casey for almost 70 years where he served as song leader, deacon and elder.  He spent his life as a teacher, farmer and master craftsman.  Ralph graduated from Casey High School in 1950 and later received both a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in education. He taught industrial arts and building trades at Cumberland (3yrs) and Casey High School for 30 years.  His building trade classes built several houses around the Casey area. His former students have always respected and admired him. He taught them many of life’s valuable lessons.  He farmed with his father and then his sons for decades.

He was a loving caring father and family man who loved to camp, boat, fish and hunt with family and friends. He especially loved to water ski and ride a jet ski (which he always drove too fast). He taught numerous people how to water ski. Ralph and Eugene Cramer skied together at 80 years old (televised on channel 10). One of the last things he talked about is how he would like to go to the lake just one more time. He loved to quail hunt with Gene Vidoni accompanied by his favorite dog Duke.  He was an expert marksman and once killed 3 doves with one shot. (no kidding). His sons remarked, I’m so happy he was my dad, I couldn’t have had a better one.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 26th, 2023 at Casey First Christian Church, 200 SE 8th St., Casey, IL with Pastor Tim Laymon officiating. Burial will follow at Washington Street Cemetery, Casey, IL. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday prior to the service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to CW Industrial Arts Program, 306 E. Edgar St., Casey, IL 62420 or Casey First Christian Church, PO Box 303, Casey, IL 62420.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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