Ralph Jewell Snowden, age 86, of Springfield, Missouri passed away on Aug 2nd, 2023, in Mercy hospital, shortly after a fall in his home.

He was born on November 8th, 1936, in Bradleyville Mo, the son of Jewell and Edith Snowden.

Ralph was a graduate of Central State University in Warrensburg.

Ralph started a successful ten-year coaching career in 1957 at Bradleyville Mo.

I Leon Combs book "The HICKS FROM THE STICKS" author James Leon Combs wrote inside dads copy of the book, "Everyone, everyone I talked to said: "Snowden started it all! "

Ralph also coached in Crane, Ozark and Marshfield, before starting a 31-year career with Missouri State Probation and Parole where he retired as District Supervisor after many awards and achievements.

In 1991 Ralph was inducted to the Springfield Sports Hall of fame for basketball officiating. He sat a couple of chairs away from Stan Musial who was being inducted the same day. Stan was signing autographs freely that day and dad didn't want to bother him by asking for one. Later on, Dad regretted that.

Ralph enjoyed the horse races, and he was an avid St Louis Cardinal fan.

Most of all Ralph put family first.

Ralph was a kind, caring, witty individual with a great sense of humor.

On the day before he passed away, dad, and I were having a conversation. I told him that I'm sorry I didn't make you prouder of me. He responded "The only way you could have made me prouder, is if you would have made the basketball team. I'm sorry that you got my genes" lol. I'm not sure how to take that!

Dad, I am so, so proud to have your genes and call you dad. I have never met a person with greater integrity.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 66 years Naomi, son Steve, sister Jane Wantuck, grandchildren Emerson, Travis, Tisha, and Tayana, and honorary sister Sonja Catron.

He was preceded in death by brother Chuck Snowden, Son Jeff Snowden, daughter Shauna Merrill and grandson Jonathan Snowden.

A big thank you to the residents of Cherokee Estates who have gone above and beyond being just good neighbors.

Also, I would like to recognize Alma Kokoshi, Sherry Jones, Shane Snowden and Pam Wantuck for their unselfish help during this time.

As per dad's wishes, we are having a simple gathering of family and friends on Saturday, Aug 5th, 2023,11 AM, at Maple Park Cemetery in Springfield. Anyone can attend but you are not expected.