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In memory of

Ralph Edward Wickham

Edison, OH, USA

August 22, 1933 - August 12, 2020

Aug 22, 1933 - Aug 12, 2020

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Ralph Edward Wickham, 86, lifelong resident of Zanesville, passed peacefully and joyously into the arms of his Savior, surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday August 12th, 2020 at 5:13 p.m. at home (where he spent his final years under the care of his daughter in Edison, Ohio).
Ralph was born August 22nd,1933 to Hattie L. and James M. Wickham in Noble County. Ralph was one of seven children and was raised on the family farm in Zanesville. Ralph married Clara L. Barker on September 10th, 1955 in Zanesville. Ralph and Clara had four children: Ralph Jr., Ronald, Roger and Rebecca. He was a loving and attentive husband and father. Ralph worked for McGraw Edison for more than a decade. Ralph enjoyed gardening, spending time with family, and playing card games. He spent many hours watching old Western movies and after the death of his beloved Clara, he became quite the accomplished chef. Most importantly, he loved reading his mother’s bible and teaching the word of God. Ralph was an active member of Zanesville First Church of the Nazarene for fifty years.
Ralph was a gentle and humble man, with an incredibly kind and generous heart. He cared for his wife Clara during her multiple battles with cancer, and until her dying day in 1993. He cared for his eldest son Ralph Jr. prior to his death and he was very instrumental in the upbringing of two of his grandchildren (Jared & Rhonda) after the death of their father (Ronald). He also stepped in as father to his son-in-love, Darryle, after he lost his father in 1985. Ralph served God faithfully his whole life. At one time felt called to be a Pastor, and he truly was a Pastor to his family. Ralph was beloved by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who sometimes referred to him as G-pa or Picka Wickham. He was always holding babies and taking them on rides on his scooter or wheelchair in his later years. He had a very special relationship with many of his nieces and nephews and enjoyed multiple trips south with his siblings.
Ralph is survived by one brother, Leland Wickham of Florida; two children, Roger Wickham of Florida and Rebecca (Darryle) Moody of Ohio; grandchildren; Jared (Erin) Wickham, Rhonda Wickham, Jason (Sarah) Moody, Emily (Ben) Powers, Sarah (Jordan) Allison, all of Ohio; seventeen great-grandchildren, who all adored him; and his sweet pup, Lucy.

Ralph is preceded in death by both parents and five of his siblings; the love of his life, his bride of 37 years, Clara; his sons Ralph Jr. and Ronald Keith; great-grandchildren Gavin Andrew and Zane Mckenna; and his ornery dog, Harvey. We know that he had a great reunion with all of his loved ones, united once again with his wife and playing with his great-grandchildren on legs that can walk and run again!
The family will be celebrating his life in a Memorial Service on Saturday August 15th at 1:00 p.m. at Zanesville First Church of the Nazarene, 5700 Martin Lane, Zanesville. Family-only reception to follow. Ralph will be laid to rest at Saint Johns Lutheran Church cemetery in Stovertown, Ohio. Cards and condolences can be mailed to: Cardington Church of the Nazarene, 328 Water Street, Cardington, Ohio. Donations in honor of Ralph can be made to Hospice of Morrow County.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15

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