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Ralph Corley Obituary

Corley, Ralph George 88, of Affton. Passed away December 28, 2013, surrounded by family. Devoted husband of Dolores Corley (nee Graf). Brother to Leola Lohman, Jane Meeker (Joseph), Bernice Mori, Thomas Corley (Mary). Predeceased by parents George and Johanna Corley, brother George Corley, and sisters Alma Vogt and Rita Harman. Loving father of Christopher Corley (Karen), Kathleen Corley (Moacyr Marchini), Constance Corley, Maureen Corley (Jim Morris) and Lawrence Corley (Cheryl). Proud grandfather of Alana and Emily Saltz, Elizabeth Corley and Lauren and David Corley. Cherished brother-in-law, uncle, colleague, friend and neighbor to many. Ralph was born in St. Louis on May 15, 1925 and attended St. Thomas Aquinas and later South Side Catholic High for two years. In February 1942 he enlisted in the Navy; his ship, the USS DeHaven, became the first destroyer escort lost in the Guadalcanal campaign when it took on enemy fire and was sunk. He was awarded a Purple Heart. Later, he served on the USS Porter and achieved the rank of Soundman First Class. In 1946, he met Dolores Graf, a lovely, blue-eyed brunette at a dance. They married June 21, 1947 at St. Anthony of Padua. Ralph graduated from Washington University in 1951 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, and an M.S. in Engineering Management from Missouri S&T in 1973. He spent 25 years in the Corporate Engineering Department of Monsanto and mentored young engineers. He later worked at O'Brien Equipment and HamptonTilley, and was a longtime member of the ISA. In retirement he enjoyed traveling with Dolores to Tin Can Sailor reunions. In 2003 he recounted the sinking of the DeHaven for a documentary on The History Channel. A devout Catholic, he was a parishioner of St. Pius V and for 45 years, St. Dominic Savio. Ralph and Dolores worked hard to provide an outstanding education for all five of their children, for which they are eternally grateful. Services: Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Rd., St. Louis, MO; visitation Friday January 3, 4:009:00 pm; mass Saturday January 4 10:00 am St. Dominic Savio Church, 7748 MacKenzie Rd, Affton, MO. Interment Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery. Donations may be made to the USS DeHaven Sail ors Assoc. Scholarship Fund, the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society or the VFW.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Jan. 1 to Jan. 2, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Corley

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Karla Vallance

January 6, 2014

I never met Ralph, but I know how much he meant to my friend Maureen. He sounds like such a wonderful man!

Darren George

January 6, 2014

Our sympathy and prayers to the Corley family.

Sheri Garza-Pope

January 5, 2014

Sending prayers of peace and comfort on the wings of Angels to the Corley family.

With warmest Aloha and love, Robert & Sheri Pope

January 5, 2014

Many prayers to you and your family through this time of transition.

Alisha Smith
Saybrook University Family

Donny Vogt

January 3, 2014

My condolences to Aunt Delores and cousins, Christopher, Kathleen, Constance, Maureen and Lawrence! My prayers are with you! I am very proud to have had Uncle Ralph as my uncle! Love, Donny

Michael Martin

January 3, 2014

Beautiful photos of a lovely family. A blessing at this time and the best possible tribute.

50th Anniversary family group

January 2, 2014

Arnold and Rita Zimmer USS Porter DD800 KW

January 2, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Christy Palumbo Foster

January 2, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with all the Corley family. Though it's many years since my highschool daze, I can still feel the warmth in greetings when visiting your house on Pebble Hill! May you all find peace in carrying on his spirit in life.

Lori Corzine

January 2, 2014

Dear Kathy, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

January 2, 2014

Many loving prayers being sent to the family. What a wonderful legacy he leaves for not only your family, but those of us who know you. May your faith bring you comfort and may your memories bring you joy.

Jim Combs

January 2, 2014

RIP, Ralph.

Terry Tekotte

January 1, 2014

Larry, I am sorry to hear of the death of your father. Please accept my condolences and find comfort in my thoughts and prayers.

Eric & Maria Olson

January 1, 2014

Our deepest condolences to the Corley family... Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers... With lots of Love.

Anne Olosn

January 1, 2014

A true gentleman; have such fond memories of Ralph at our Tin Can Sailors reunions. Ralph lived a wonderful life; may God Bless.

Alice Dames

January 1, 2014

My deepest sympathies to all of you.

Alana Saltz

January 1, 2014

Sending love and thoughts to my family in St. Louis.

January 1, 2014

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January 1, 2014

I have always cherished this photo of them. You can see the love for each other.

Bridget Bueltemeyer

January 1, 2014

I'm sending my love to my Aunt and cousins, and keeping you all in my prayers. Uncle Ralph was a great man. I am so priviledged to have had him as a role model in life. He will be in my heart forever.

Reverend Willie and Maryjane Woodward

January 1, 2014

Our deepest condolences to your family. Please find peace in knowing he is home with the Lord. Blessings to you Connie and to all the Corley family may you find solace in the hollow of God's hand. With much love and respect.

Linda Petty

January 1, 2014

A patriot who served his country and risked his life to protect it. And then he raised some pretty nice kids who also loved gadgets. Bless them all.

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

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Memorial Events
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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Kutis Funeral Home, Inc, Affton Chapel

10151 Gravois Road, Saint Louis, MO 63123

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