Ralph Victor Sander, 87, of Richmond, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020.

Ralph was born on Feb. 22, 1933, the son of Edmund Joseph and Mary Magdalene (Scheck) Sander. He was united in marriage to Edna Marie Herl on July 18, 1953, at St. Joseph Church in Hays, Kansas. She preceded him in death on June 5, 2000.

Survivors include: five sons and four daughters, Ralph J. (Connie) Sander of Excelsior Springs, Mary (Lamont) Lipka of Temple, Texas, Cynthia (James) Galle of Richmond, Bruce Sander of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Carol (Christopher) Coen of Independence, Charles (Marie) Sander of Barr Nunn, Wyoming, Tammy (James) Ireland of Kansas City, Wesley (Shelly) Sander of Richmond, and Kevin (Kendi) Sander of Casper, Wyoming; 22 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Linda Sander of Hays and Vera Wear of Lewisville, Texas.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Marvin Sander; two sisters, Patricia Younger and Rita Von Lintel; and two great-grandchildren, Gabriel Sander and Jack Leykam.

Ralph proudly served in the U.S. Army from Aug. 9, 1949, to Dec. 24, 1952, and bravely fought in the Korean War. After returning from the service, he was married, living in Salina, Kansas, before moving to Richmond in 1968. Ralph had a lifelong career in maintenance and farming, in addition to raising his nine children. Ralph was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Richmond.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Richmond Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation, with a rosary, and funeral services were held on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, at the Richmond Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with visitation beginning at 2 p.m., a rosary at 2:45, followed by services 3. Burial was in Richmond Memory Gardens, with full military honors provided by the Army and Ray County Veterans.

Please remember to share your memories of Ralph with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.