Obituaries

Ralph Frederick Rauch

Photo of Ralph Frederick Rauch
Ralph Frederick Rauch, 83 passed away Saturday, September 27, 2014. Ralph was born on July 3, 1921 in Springfield, MO, to Fred W. and Bertha (Kemm) Rauch. He grew up in the house where he was born on North Clay Street. He graduated from Springfield Central High School in 1939. Ralph attended college at State Teacher's College in Springfield, now Missouri State University. He then transferred to the Kansas City Conservatory of Music, now the University of Missouri at Kansas City, where he met Marcella Hedges. They were married in the beautiful mansion housing of the conservatory on October 17, 1943. He served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines and Japan where he played the flute and piccolo in General McArthur's headquarters band. Ralph received a Master's degree at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He was a high school band director in Tahlequah, Okla. and Vinita, Okla. He retired after many years as an assistant Professor at Ouchita Baptist University. Music was an important part of his life, whether as a church choir director, or a member of the Arkansas Symphony or playing tuba bass with the Rackensack Society in Little Rock. Throughout his career, he was beloved by his many students. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 64 years and his three sisters. Survivors include two daughters; Reverend Marilyn Rauch of Pana, Ill., and Roberta (Danny) Richardson of Roland, Okla. The family would like to express their thanks to Methodist Health and Rehabilitation facility for the care both parents received. The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the Employee Appreciation Fund of Methodist Health and Rehabilitation 1915 South 74th Street Ft. Smith, Ark. 72903. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at the Ft. Smith National Cemetery Pavilion. Visitation will be 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at Fentress Mortuary in Ft. Smith. To sign the on line guest book please visit www.fentressmortuary.com.

Published September 30, 2014

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