Ralph W Anderson, 90, passed away in his sleep on 10/20/24 after a long illness. Ralph was born September 23, 1934 in Chicago, IL and spent the majority of his life there as a "South Sider" and lifetime Bears fan prior to moving to his adopted home of Kansas in 2001.

He was a man of many talents. At various times he studied to be a Catholic priest, then joined the USMC and served as a US Marine during the Korean War. While on active duty he was a member of the USMC boxing team in the welterweight division. He attended the University of Missouri, was a licensed embalmer, commercial pilot, scuba diver, paratrooper, insurance broker, real estate licensee and investor, and well-known businessman in the South Suburban Chicago area.  A voracious reader, he had an impressive library of books covering an array of subjects.

Ralph was elected to two terms as President of the Tinley Park, IL Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow.  During this time he arranged a transportation program for the School District's special needs students as well as blood transfers for local medical facilities.  He was also involved with the South Suburban Crisis Center which assisted women and children.  Ralph was selected as a member of the Kansas Honor Flight at a ceremony in Washington, DC for prior service Veterans.

Ralph met a very young Judith F Reid in 1955, and so began a love story and 68-year marriage that rarely saw them leave each other's side. He is survived by his wife Judy, their 2 sons Cary Anderson of Wichita, KS and John Anderson of Oak Forest, IL, along with daughter-in-laws Christine Anderson and Lisa Anderson, and 3 grandchildren: Zachary Hettinger, Stephanie Hall (Justin Hall) Kathryn Roy (Ryan Roy), along with 6 great-grandchildren: Saylor, Lane, Madelyn, Dylan, Nolan, & Isla.

A celebration of life will be held November 17, 2024 at 1PM  at the Derby Library Community Center, 1600 E Walnut Grove, Derby, KS.  Friends and family are invited to share memories and honor his life, love, and spirit.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/give.html  or  the Lord's Diner in Wichita, KS, https://thelordsdiner.org/donate/.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center - Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com