Ralph Allaire

Ralph Allaire Ralph Wayne Allaire of Lubbock, formerly O'Donnell, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at the age of 72. He was born September 22, 1939 in Cheboygan, MI. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and raised by his loving grandparents. While attending Cheboygan High School, he was a star football player and held a number of records in track. He also enjoyed baseball, softball, basketball, golf and hunting. Ralph joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base and Reese Air Force Base. It was during his stay in Lubbock that he met and later married Shurlene Thorne on August 8, 1963. After honorable discharge, Ralph obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Physical Education at Texas Tech University in 1968 and his Master's from Texas Tech University in the late 1970's. He worked as a coach and teacher in Spearman, Whitharral, and O'Donnell, as well as an independent insurance agent for many years. Ralph was a member of the Lions Club and Booster Clubs where he coached and his children attended school. He was also a member of Lakeridge Baptist Church. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of more than 48 years, Shurlene; son, Bruce Allaire and wife Becky of Lubbock; daughter, Tamra Lea Fender and husband Doug of Hudson, FL; brother, Richard and wife Lois of Onaway, MI; sisters, Dianne Holzheuer and husband Frank of Gatlinburg, TN, Sharon Choate and husband Roger of Fenton, MI, and Bonnie Fowler of Cheboygan, MI; and four grandchildren, Victoria Lace Taylor, Steven Paul Fender, Bailey Wayne Allaire, and Zachary Kyle Burch. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2012 in Combest Family Memorial Chapel. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Combest Family Memorial Chapel with interment to take place in Cheboygan, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Cal Farley Boys Ranch, 600 W. 11th Amarillo, TX 79101, Burkhart Center for Autism, P.O. Box 41071, Lubbock, TX 79409, or the American Heart Association, 2514 82nd Ste. B Lubbock, TX 79423. Please celebrate the life of Ralph by visiting www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com.