Ralph Egan

Ralph "Sheik" Egan 82, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 27, 2010. He was born on April 8, 1928, the son of William and Grace (Hazelet) Egan. Ralph served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948. He retired in 1990 from Whirlpool of Evansville after 35 years of dedicated service. After retirement, he worked for National Car Rental for 17 years. Sheik loved riding his Harley and was a life-long race fan and an avid NASCAR fan. He and his nephew, Sonny Kelly, raced at Tri-State Speedway. Sheik was also a pilot and enjoyed sky diving. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 51 years, Darlene, and cared for her until her death from Alzheimer's in 2002. He was also preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ruth Stevens; Naomi Barnhart; Marie Garito; Martha Bennett; and infant sisters, Lillian and Lucille; and brothers, Thomas and Albert Egan. Sheik is survived by sons, Stephen Egan and wife Jan; and Tony Egan; daughters, Donna Wolfe and husband Dick; Pamela Ampon and husband Felix; Lisa Fox and husband Jack; and twin brother, Robert "Bud" Egan and wife Francis, of Downey, CA; and grandchildren, Jennifer Bodkins; Christopher Egan; Kelly, Kris Ann, and Kerry Rocca; and Kristen and Justin Ampon;10 great grandchildren; and two special nephews, Jeffrey Stevens, of Evansville; and Sonny Kelly, of Lakewood, CA. The family wishes to thank the Hospice staff for their wonderful care and Vicki O'Neal for her wonderful, loving care and support she gave to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 4770 Covert Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714; St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or VNA Charlier Hospice, 610 Walnut St., Evansville, IN 47713. Private burial will be held at a later date. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.