Ralph Ervin Souders

Ralph Ervin Souders of Steelville, Missouri passed away Friday, July 14, 2023 at Steelville Senior Living at the age of 87 years, 6 months and 1 day. He was born January 13, 1936 in Oak Hill, Missouri to Ervin Raymond Souders and Minnie Florence Ridder Souders. On December 11, 1965, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Worley at the Cuba First Baptist Church.

As a young boy, Ralph was involved in 4-H enjoying all of the opportunities of learning that were available to him. He also learned carpentry work from his father as a young man. As he became older, Ralph worked for Paul T. Carr’s Mobil station in Cuba. For 17 years, he was employed at Earl’s Chevrolet along with running the wrecker service which Phyllis would go with him to help. She would drive the wrecker and he would take care of securing the vehicle to the chain and lift.  He also was employed at Don Treece Motors for 17 years. Ralph also became an Insurance Agent for Gasconade Co. Mutual Insurance for many years and was a Police Judge in Steelville for 12 years.

Ralph was very involved in the community, volunteering for the local Fire Dept. for over 20 years along with being Fire Chief for several years during that time. He was also a devoted thirty second degree Mason and a member of the Steelville Lebanon Lodge and a Patron of the Eastern Star.

He had been a member of the First Baptist Church of Oak Hill, MO and Cuba First Baptist Church and a member of the Heavy Mortar Co. of St. Clair with the Army National Guard for 12 years.

Ralph enjoyed listening or watching the St. Louis Cardinals and spending some time at the local restaurant with the coffee group or out mowing his lawn. He also loved taking care of Rexie, his cat.

 For the people who knew Ralph, his word was his bond and he will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Minnie Souders; niece, Tammy Hoskins; brother-in-law, Morris Williams; and sister-in-law, Margaret (John) Turnbough.

He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Phyllis, of Steelville, MO; sister, Lois Williams of Columbia, MO; nephews, Darrin (Deanne) Williams and Keith Hoskins all of Columbia, MO; special cousin, Fern (Jerry) Setzer, who helped Ralph and Phyllis for the past year; other relatives; and many friends.

The Family received friends from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO. Masonic services were held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023 with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating.

Committal prayer and interment were in the Steelville Cemetery.

Honored to be casket bearers were Cody Branson, Clarence Branson, Bradley Branson, Mike Riley, Todd Mitchell and Ken Halbert with honorary bearers, Jerry Setzer, Elijah Buettner, Sammy Riley and Andy Riley.

Memorials may be given in Ralph's name to a charity of choice.

The Souders Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.

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