Ralph William Markham, 93, of Nixa, died peacefully on Friday, December 23, 2016. He was born in Norborn, Missouri on April 5, 1923, the son of Ralph and Bessie Markham. Ralph and Mary Ann Fugitt were married in August, 1982.

Ralph grew up in Buckner, Missouri where he attended school. After school he served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific from August, 1945 until April, 1947. He serveded in the Army Field Artillary 7th Division as a Staff Sergeant.

After returning home he made his home in Richmond, Missouri as a farmer. In 1950 he went to work for Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, Missouri. He retired from Ford Motor Company in 1980.

Ralph enjoyed woodworking on the lathe and gardening. He was a Life member of the VFW Post in Climax Springs, Missouri since 1979. Ralph served as Quartermaster for the Climax Springs Post while in the Edwards area. He was also a Key Member helping to build the VFW Post in Climax Springs.

Ralph lived in Oak Grove, Blue Springs, Independence, Lake of the Ozarks and Edwards, Missouri before moving to Nixa in 1988. His hobbies after retirement included yard work, gardening and wood working.

In addition to his wife, Mary Ann, Ralph is survived by his immediate family, Ron Fugitt, Rick and Tammy Fugitt, Tyler Fugitt and Lacey, Jake Constantine and many other Loving family members.

Ralph was preceded in death his parents.

Graveside funeral services will be at 2:00PM, Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens, 4500 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, Missouri. Full Military Honors will be presented to honor Ralph''s service to his country.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ron Fugitt, Rick Fugitt, Tyler Fugitt, Jake Constantine Dan Chesnut and Mike Martens.

In lieu of flowers, Ralph''s family suggests memorial contributions to Ralph''s VFW Post 3600, Climax Springs, Missouri, in care of the funeral home.