Ralph Andrew Trask

Ralph Andrew Trask, 88, passed away on September 5, 2025 in Farmington, Missouri surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Ironton, Missouri on August 9, 1937, to Andrew and Mary (Lewis) Trask. Until the age of 10, he lived in Dexter, Missouri when the family moved to the Trask family farm in Banner, Missouri. Ralph attended school in Ironton and graduated from High School in 1955. He then attended the University of Missouri Columbia and earned bachelor's degrees in business and Elementary Education. Ralph married Jean Phillips on August 17, 1958, at the Belleview United Methodist Church. Together they raised two sons, Dennis and Don, and were teachers at Annapolis, Potosi, and Belleview schools. Ralph also taught at Iron Mountain school. They helped Ralph's parents operate the farm, raising cattle and strawberries. Ralph was a Mason for over 60 years, first at Belleview and then the Caledonia Lodge. He served as the Lodge Secretary and Worshipful Master. He was a member, then long time Board Member of the Cedar Grove Church. He was also a member of the Belleview United Methodist Church for many years where he enjoyed church suppers and helping with the food pantry. Ralph loved square dancing with Jean and socializing with many friends. In his later years he was a regular at Anderson's Auto Sales in Banner and the area McDonald's where he traded stories over coffee with friends. Ralph had great interest in community issues. He served as a member of the Belleview School and the Missouri Soils Conservation boards. As a farmer, Ralph promoted environmentalism and advocated for ways to address climate change. He was a leader of the Iron County Democrats and served as a delegate for Bernie Sanders to the Democratic National Convention in 2016. Ralph loved his family, many friends and the Banner farm. He is survived by his wife Jean, sons Dennis (Sheryl) Trask and Don (Diana) Trask. Ralph has 5 grandchildren: Benjamin, Allison, Cassandra, Luke and Stephanie. He is further survived by a niece, Lisa Slap and nephew Ryan Trask. He is proceeded in death by his parents, a brother Robert and sister-in-law Sandy. Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer Funeral Home - Bryson Chapel in Pilot Knob on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. until Masonic service at 11:30 A.M. Chapel service will follow at 12:00 P.M., with Judy Richardson officiating. May Ralph rest in eternal peace.