Ralph Antles

Ralph Antles, Jr., age 92, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at White Oaks Assisted Living Center in Lawton, Michigan following a brief illness. Ralph was born on November 30, 1924 in Buchanan, MI to Ralph and Marjorie (Tweedy) Antles. He married Lucille Graham on February 16, 1946 in Indiana. He worked as a supervisor at Rudy MFG/Sundstrand in Dowagiac, MI for his entire career until retirement in 1984. An avid outdoorsman and nature lover, he knew a great deal about fish, birds, and all manner of wildlife, as well as their natural habitats. Ralph also enjoyed sports and was a dedicated fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and the Michigan State Spartans. Ralph is survived by his daughter, Laurel Antles Nedervelt of Portage; grandchildren Logan (Amy) Nedervelt, Kelsey (Dan) Kavanagh, Derek (Erika) Antles, and Bryan (Stephanie) Antles; step-grandson Steve (Janice) Hahn; great-grandchildren Taylor, Dylon, Trevor, Breanna, and David J. Antles; step-great-grandchildren Levi and Remi Hahn; sister Bonnie Whitbey, sister-in-law Carol Antles, brother-in-law Kenneth Schauer and daughter-in-law Sandie Antles. He was preceded in death by his wife Lucille in 2000, son David R. in 1978, sisters Pauline, Helene, Earlda, and brother Dennis. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8pm on Wednesday, March 8th at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur, MI. A Celebration of Life service will also be held at Newell Chapel at 1pm on Thursday, March 9th with Jim Abshagen officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery with a luncheon following at the VFW in Decatur. Memorial donations may be made to Grace Hospice (2725 Airview Blvd # 101, Portage, MI) or Animal Rescue Project (219 Peekstock, Kalamazoo, MI). Starks Family Funeral Homes.