Ralph Edward Anthony passed away January 14, 2022 at his home in Caney.
Born July 24, 1937, in Independence, MO to Dorothy Basil who worked as a restaurant waitress and Arley Anthony, an express messenger for Railway Express Agency, the oldest of five siblings; one sister, Martha Sue, three brothers Richard, Lee, Larry Dean, and Johnny Ray.
In 1959, he married Susan Donna Howe of Marshall, MO they divorced after 18 years of marriage they had three sons, Alan Shawn deceased, Mark Shane deceased, and Patrick Neal. On June 9, 1982 he married Jonina Karol Lytle who passed away July 10, 2017. There is one son Kennen Lewayne Simmons. Ralph graduated from Northeast High School in Kansas City, MO in 1955. In later years he returned to education and obtained an Associate’s Degree from Independence Community College and was awarded a scholarship from Friends University and graduated in 1999 and was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management. Ralph has had an extensive and varied employment history, starting as a clerk in a pharmacy at the age of 15. In 1960 he joined in the Kansas City, Mo Police Department where he served in various positions, patrolman, dispatcher, and predominate role as an Accident Investigator. In 1968 he left the police department and became a manager for Red Barn Drive Ins. After a short time he became an agent for a major multi-line insurance company and was later promoted to district manager for the Southeast Kansas district and he resided in Pittsburg. His last full-time employment before retirement was with Southeast Kansas Independent Living where he was an advocate for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and an ADA compliance specialist. He was assigned to the Fredonia KS office and later was responsible for opening and establishing a new office in Sedan, KS. After retirement he was elected to the Caney City Commission. He and his son Kennen enjoyed building and racing mini stock dirt track cars.
Those left to cherish Ralph’s memories are his sons; Kennen Simmons and his wife Cyndi and Patrick Anthony.
Ralph now rests with his parents, his wife Jonina, and sons Alan and Mark.
Honoring Ralph’s wishes cremation will take place and a private family burial will take place. Friends are invited to sign the register and support the family on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The family suggests memorials be made payable to Coffeyville Friends of Animals and they may be sent in care of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel 2405 Woodland Ave. Coffeyville, KS 67337. To share a memory or to leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com
