| |
Cemetery Location Map to Gravesite |
Birth Date: 9/23/1953
Death Date: 11/25/2000
Floral Park Cemetery
Garden of Four Seasons, Lot 29 B, Grave 3
|
| Dear Ralph,If September 23, 1953 was the happiest day for the Martin family, then November 25, 2000 was the saddest; we lost you at the young age of 47. We were not ready to let you go, but God has plans for each of us. It was heart warming to see the family that drove from Kentucky and Illinois to bid you farewell.Cheryl's memories:I remember when, as kids, we played kickball. You were always team captain and you always chose me to be on your team. We loved playing army with the neighborhood kids. Once you and I filled a treasure box with some loose change, your favorite marbles among other childhood treasures. We buried it in the back yard anxiously waiting the day we would 'find' a long lost map and dig up the buried treasure. As kids, we scrabbled a lot, as siblings tend to do but as we grew into our teen years; we left the squalling behind and became friends as well as family. Our family had so many good times: the many excursions to the Westlake Swim Club, the drive-in movies and the Smokey Mountains. Mom's memories:I think of you often: your first haircut, you chasing your dad around the backyard with the water hose, and when you learned to ride your bicycle when your legs were too short to reach the peddles. I remember when you were in kindergarten and you took an insecure little neighbor boy by the hand and walked him to school each morning. How happy we were when, at the age of 11, you accepted Jesus Christ as your savior at the Bible Baptist Church. The pastor teased you that you were larger than he was, when you were baptized. I was so proud when you were hired at Kresge's as your first job. I cherish the pictures we have of you school pictures, Little League, your prom (you were so handsome in your tuxedo; my little boy had grown up!), graduation, wedding plus, many, many others. You are missed so very much, your beautiful wood working skills, your laugh and your generosity to family and friends.Dad's memories:Ralph, I cherish everything your Mom mentioned. I treasure the many hours we played darts, worked puzzles and built wonderful woodworking projects, which you did best. Those days and nights we camped in the woods, just sitting by the fire and talking are among my most revered memories. You were not only my son, but also my very best friend. You were born at St. Francis Hospital Beech grove, Indiana on September 23, 1953, as first-born to Ralph and Robertia Martin. We sadly laid you to rest at Floral Park Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 28, 2000.Ralph, we miss you. Your passing has left a void in our hearts. You are gone but not forgotten. Your memory will always be with us. |
|
Ralph at one day old.
|
Ralph with parents Ralph and Robertia and sister, Cheryl.
|
Ralph in his Little league uniform.
|
Ralph with his army helmet, canteen and mess kit.
|
Ralph's Senior picture, Ben Davis High School, Class 1971
|
Ralph sharing an amusing moment
|
Ralph and his Dad building the detached gargage, which they used as a wood working shop.
|
Ralph with his sister Cheryl
|
Ralph sitting at the dining room table.
|
Ralph at Christmas
|
|
