Ralph I. Maddox

Ralph Ivan Maddox
July 5, 1930 ~ February 15, 2024

Ralph Ivan Maddox of White City KS left his earthly home to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the age of 93 after a short stay at Via Christi Village, Manhattan KS.

Ralph was born July 5, 1930, in New Raymer, CO to Terrell and Jenny (Botts) Maddox. Growing up he worked with his father in a hauling business and later was employed in construction from 1948 to 1952. On July 20, 1950, he married the love of his life, Joyce Todd in Benkelman, NE.

Ralph served as Corporal in the US Army, from 1952 to 1954 and stationed near Cavite City, Philippines, he was notified of the death of his infant son Alan. He was given leave to return to the States and in 1955 they moved to Junction City, KS with their one-year-old daughter, Jan. The couple was also blessed with two sons, Danny and Jeff. In 1969, Ralph moved his family to White City.

Ralph was employed with civil service at Marshall Field, Ft. Riley, KS as Coordinator of Aircraft Maintenance for 27 years, retiring in 1982.

He started painting and remodeling homes in the area until he took a position with White City Schools as head custodian from 1988 to 1992. In 1992, he returned to carpentering to help his daughter and son-in-law build a new home.

Ralph was a volunteer EMT for Morris County Ambulance Service logging over 10,000 hours during his 10 years of service; a volunteer firefighter for fourteen years; served on the White City Council for 8 years; served at the chairperson for the White City Centennial Celebration in 1985; he was a dedicated Red Cross blood donor; served on the board of trustees of the White City United Methodist Church; served on the White City Library board; was member of the Teddy L. Wilde #299 American Legion Post for 21 years where he served as commander for two years and finance officer for six years. More recently, he volunteered at the Rolling Hills Senior Center, White City. Ralph was always willing to help his neighbors and his community. He had a kind heart and was very well-liked by those who knew him well.

He loved woodworking and was an accomplished carpenter. Ralph and Joyce enjoyed bowling, dancing, bingo and playing cards. He was an avid reader of Louis L’Amour. His family kidded him because he should have been a cowboy. Traveling with Joyce to family reunions was always special. He enjoyed spending time with his grand and great grandchildren.Ralph was preceded in death by his infant son Alan, a brother Lynn Maddox, his parents, a sister Shirley Hollars, grandson-in-law Chance Sanderson and wife, Joyce.

Survivors include Children: Jan (Richard) Gustason, White City; Danny (Brenda) Maddox, Marion, KS; Jeff (Kerry) Maddox, White City. Grandchildren: Malia (Jode) Dennison, Branson MO; Kelly Sanderson (fiance Jeff Johnson), Abilene KS; J. Kyle Maddox and Jordan Maddox, White City; Todd Maddox, Marion; Allison Maddox, Overland Park KS; Drew (Ashley) Maddox, Olathe KS; Kandice Orr (fiance Phillip Weir) Ardmore, OK and Michael Gustason, Manhattan KS. Great-Grandchildren: Kylie, Casen, and Corbin Sanderson; Avery and Carter Orr; Avery and Grayson Maddox; a sister, Carole Ann Wurtz, Pueblo, CO; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rudy and Janet Todd, LaSalle CO and Larry and Vonda Brown, Lakewood CO along with many nieces and nephews and their families.

Cremation services are in the care of Londeen-Overlease Funeral Chapel in Chapman. A Life Celebration will be held for Ralph later this year with a private graveside service to follow.

To honor Ralph’s memory, the family has requested memorials be made to The White City Library, The Rolling Hills Senior Center, or The White City United Methodist Church. Send memorials to The Bank of the Flint Hills, 101 E Mackenzie Street, White City, KS 66872. Please specify on the envelope the recipient of your chosen memorial.