Ralph Emanuel Figgins, 82, of rural Fayette, passed away Tuesday evening, September 27, 2016, after a long illness, at CHP Inpatient Hospice near Defiance. He was born November 13, 1933, in Alvordton, OH to the late DeVillo and Juanita (Severence) Figgins. He married Janice Sutton on June 18, 1955 at the Fayette United Methodist Church and she survives.
Ralph served in the US Navy as a Commissaryman. He retired from TRW after 43 years of dedicated service and also farmed. Ralph was NW Ohio State Delegate for the camping group, FCRV. Ralph participated as Weighmaster at The Fulton County Fair. He enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, traveling, and was an avid sports lover of bowling, golf, and the Detroit Tigers. He and Janice spent winters in Florida for the past 19 years. Ralph worked for the Detroit Tigers Spring Training team as an usher for 12 years in Lakeland, FL.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 61 years, Janice, are his children, Melinda Payne of Clyde, OH and Timothy (Carol) Figgins of Fayette; five grandchildren, Miles (Jodi) Figgins, Lesley (Jason) Maxey, Jared (Elyse) Figgins, Mallory (Dustin) Linder, and Joel Payne (Courtney Moyer); and seven great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Jacob, Ayla, Jett, Morgan, Aiden, and Maverick.
Also surviving are siblings, Janet Borton of Alvordton, OH, Robert (Carolyn) Figgins of Bryan, OH, Larry Figgins of Alvordton, OH, Phylis (Ronald) Hesselschwardt of Defiance, and Karen Draper of Jackson, MI; sister-in-law, Margaret Sutton of Archbold, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by three brothers, Edward Figgins, Ronald Figgins, and Harold Figgins; son-in-law, Bill Payne; and brother-in-law, Wendell Sutton.
A funeral service for Ralph will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fayette United Methodist Church with Pastor Andrea Curry officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Union Cemetery in Fayette. The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, September 30 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Eagle Funeral Home in Fayette and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Memorial contributions to remember Ralph can be designated to The Fayette United Methodist Church or its Family Life Center. Friends can share memories and words of comfort with the Figgins family online at www.eaglefuneralhomes.com