Ralph Plummer
January 06, 1924 - August 07, 2020
Obituary
Obituary of Ralph Richard Plummer Ralph Richard Plummer, 96, passed away on August 7, 2020 of natural causes. He was born on January 6, 1924 to Ralph J. and Rose (Krebs) Plummer in Indianapolis; brother of Robert and William (deceased). Ralph married Lillian Arlene Eastlund (deceased) on March 15, 1945 in Santa Rosa, CA. They were married for almost 71 years. Together they had eight (8) daughters: Teresa Maxson (Bill); Anne Plummer; Mary Joseph (deceased); Rose Marie Welchans (Jack); Mari Riffey-Perkins (Vincent); Carol Rengnez (Alain); Lilian Plummer (George Martin) and Nancy Plummer. Four (4) sons: Joseph (deceased); Robert, Thomas (Cathy); and Donald (Laura); 23 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and oodles of nieces and nephews. A Ben Davis graduate, ran track/cross country (even skunked Culver Military). He also ran track at Butler University his freshman year. When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941, he enlisted in the Navy Cadet Corp in 1942. He studied aviation at DePauw, then to Ball State and Ottumwa, IA and Iowa City for flight training; transferred to the Great Lakes, then to Jacksonville, FL (1944) and trained to be an electrician; he was sent to Santa Rosa Navy Airbase to work on airplanes in 1945. In August of 1945 he was sent to Japan, except he didn't get there because of the atomic and nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan; he was on a ship in the middle of the ocean when Japan surrendered, then he sailed to Maui, Hawaii. He came back from Hawaii on an LST ship. He received an honorable discharge in 1946. After 37 years, he retired in 1985 as an electrician for Allison, Speedway, IN. Always busy, he fit in scuba diving (Indiana Diving Club), raising aquarium fish; growing Bonsai trees; gardening, volunteering for St. Vincent de Paul and undertaking church maintenance at St. Joseph. For dad and mom's 50th Anniversary, the kids gave them a 1940s-theme celebration. We decorated as close as we could to that era…..music, posters, cigarette girls, “look-alike” Andrew Sister's singing and swaying. We invited their male and female friends to wear their WWII uniforms (if they saved); snoods; seamed nylons, etc. It was so much fun! Fr. Glenn O'Connor said this was the best party he had ever attended. The family wishes to thank Patti, from St. Vincent Hospice at Home and Life's Journey Hospice House, for their care of our father. Please see service tab for dates and times of services. Please also be advised that the due to Covid-19 there will be limited available space at the entombment site.
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Memories
NP
Nancy Plummer
Other •
On the morning of July 27th at his house, Dad said he had a dream that Joe (deceased oldest son) asked him to dance. I told him that would be great. He scrunched his nose and said "No". I said you'd be free and no pain plus, you'll be so excited to see everyone. He said "I wasn't at home, I was in a hospital bed." That following Friday he fell and did end up dying in a hospital bed days later. Hopefully, the dream came true and he's dancing like never before.
KF
Katie Carson (for the Carson family)
Other •
Plummer family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Even though your Dad lived a long and fruitful life, there's never an easy time to say goodbye. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of your Dad is his smile. He never said much, as I recall, but he didn't have to. His smile said it all - love, friendship, God! He was a faithful servant (even climbing ladders when he wasn't supposed to) his whole life.
Just to interject a personal note...your Dad's viewing on August 12 is my Dad's birthday...though Dad would only be 92. Still, I'm sure Dad will be well prepared, with a salute and a smile, to welcome your Dad into heaven. Although I'm sure he will very respectfully usher your Mom ahead to do a proper welcome!
From the entire Carson family: Thank you for sharing the gift of both your Mom and Dad! We have been beyond blessed to have known and loved them! And always know...we love you all too! May God be with you!
The Carson Family
JI
Jim Grande, Greenfield, IN
Other •
I am sorry for the loss of your dad. My wife Mary Anne and I met your parents when we were parishioners at St. Joe's years ago. They were two of the nicest people I have ever met. I also have good memories of Terri babysitting our children when they were young. Your family is in my prayers.
C
Carol
Other •
Bob, John and I are so saddened to hear of the loss of your father. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve in your loss. With much love, Carol and John Morrisey