Ralph Edmond Manes, of Dixon, was born on June 14, 1929, at Hooker, a son of Henry Jacob and Margaret Lea (Bryant) Manes, and departed this life at 2:25 a.m., on Tuesday morning, July 4, 2017, at his residence near Dixon. Mr. Manes had been in failing health for some time and had attained the age of 88 years, and 21 days.

Ralph was united in marriage on May 16, 1953, at Dixon, to the former Miss Dolores Dean Wyss, and to this union, two sons were born. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry, on November 16, 1965; his mother, Margaret, on November 7, 2001; and two brothers, Luther Eugene "Gene" Manes on March 18, 1981; and Norman Donald Manes, on January 12, 2016.

On February 14, 1951, Ralph entered into active federal service in the Army of the United States and served until November 13, 1952, when he was honorably discharged, at the rank of Corporal. During his military career, he served in Korea with the 630th engineers for eleven months and the USS General Miggs for 18 days. A man of excellent character, Ralph's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country.

He had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Personal Savior in December of 1952, and followed his Lord in baptism in the Gasconade River while attending Shepard Baptist Church, Dixon, and at the time of his passing was a faithful member of the Pisgah Baptist Church for 50 years in Dixon as long as his health permitted, since 1967. Ralph was a heavy equipment mechanic at Fort Leonard Wood and retired as a heavy equipment inspector in 1981 after 30 plus years. He took great pride in helping his family, neighbors, and friends with working on vehicles and all types of garden equipment.
One of his greatest joys was playing with all the grandchildren, fishing, hunting and camping with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling throughout all 48 of the continental United States in their motor home.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Manes include: His devoted wife of 64 years, Dolores Manes, of the home near Dixon; two sons, Rick Manes and wife, Tammy, Dixon, and Ron Manes and wife, Sharon, Owensville; six grandchildren, Eric and wife, Ashley, Dustin and wife, Misty, Anthony, Melissa and husband, Jeff, Stephanie, and Jacob; nine great-grandchildren, Kendra, Kane, Kasen, Klay, Callie, Terran, Alena, Presley, and Kason; one sister-in-law, Lucille Manes, Springfield; and many other relatives and friends.