Ralph W. Ross, Sr., 84, of Dowell, passed away at 12:10 A.M., Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.
Ralph had worked in maintenance at Inland Steel and Consol Coal Mines.  He was a United States Army Veteran, where he had been a paratrooper.  Ralph was a member of Second Baptist Church in Du Quoin.  He was also a member of UMWA.
He was born July 24, 1940 in Du Quoin, IL, the son of Robert H. and Gladys L. (Wilks) Ross
He married Helen L. Martie on September 28, 1961 in Dowell, IL, and she preceded him in death on July 14, 2023.
He is survived by one daughter - Jody Compton and husband Troy of Dowell, one son - Ralph Ross, Jr. of Dowell, five grandchildren - Stephenie Moore and husband Rocky, Ross Cook and wife Sara, Nicole Messer and husband Chris, Megan Holford, and Gina Canfield and husband Stone, one sister - Paulette Clark and husband Galen of Manteno, IL and eleven great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one daughter - Rhonda Bombardo, two brothers - Bobby Ross and Ronnie Ross and one sister - Phyllis Roberts.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Devin Downard officiating.
Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Tuesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Hallidayboro Cemetery at Hallidayboro, IL.
Friends may make memorials to Du Quoin Food Pantry and will be accepted at the funeral home.