Ralph W. Stern

September 15, 1923 – April 2, 2026

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, World War II Veteran – Postmaster –

Farmer – Freemason – Big Band DJ – Legend of Seaman, Ohio

Ralph Willard Stern of Seaman, Ohio passed away on April 2, 2026, at the age of 102. He was born on September 15, 1923 in Seaman, Ohio. Ralph was born to the late J.W. and Minnie Pearl (Storer) Stern. The sixth of seven children, he grew up alongside three brothers and three sisters.

He graduated from Seaman High School in 1941. Ralph enlisted in the Army in 1944. During WWII, he served in the Army Signal Corps as a high-speed radio operator with the 4030th Signal Service Battalion.

On November 1st, 1948, Ralph was united in marriage to Mary F. Brownlee Stern, his partner of almost 67 years. Together, they had two children, Ralph Michael “Mike” and Katrina Kay.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Minnie Pearl Stern, his beloved wife Mary, his son, Mike, his son-in-law Roger (Willie) Young, and all of his siblings.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Katrina Young of Seaman, Ohio; his grandchildren, Autumn McCavit of Maysville, Kentucky, and Brady (Leigh Ann) Young of Oak Ridge, North Carolina; his great-grandchildren, Kaleigh, Chase, and Drew Young; several nieces and nephews, and a community of friends, fellow Mason/Scottish Rite Brothers, and Legion brothers who will carry his memory with great pride.

No services will be held per Ralph’s request.

The Thompson-Meeker Funeral Home in West Union is assisting the family.

You may sign Ralph’s online tribute @www.meekerfuneralhomes.com

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