Ralph C. Atwell, Sr.
February 8, 1938 ~ April 12, 2020
Ralph C. Atwell, Sr., 82, of Freetown and a longtime resident of Monrovia, passed away April 12, 2020 at home. Ralph was born February 8, 1938, in Indianapolis, to the late Walter and Orpha (Long) Atwell. He married the love of his life Geneva Gregory April 8, 1972.
Ralph proudly served in the United States Airforce. From 1955-1957 he was in the Airforce Reserves and from 1957-1965 Ralph served in the Airforce full time. After getting out of the military, Ralph was a diesel mechanic at Yellow Freight for 32 years. Ralph and Geneva were members of Eternal Life Baptist Church for many years until moving to Freetown, Indiana in 2007. They found a new church home in Freetown, Freetown Baptist Church where Ralph was a Trustee.
Ralph lived life to the fullest. He was an avid outdoors man. Ralph taught Hunters Ed in Hendricks County and shotgun safety for the Boy Scouts. He was also a hunter, fisher man, and a member of the NRA. Ralph was a family man; he enjoyed passing on his knowledge of the outdoors to his family. While raising his family, Ralph was a Webelos leader, baseball coach, and president of the Monrovia Baseball League. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Terri Atwell; grandson, Eric Raikes; two sisters; and one brother.
Survivors include his loving wife, Geneva Atwell; sons, Joe (Susan) of Avon, Larry (Susan) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Carl (Tina) of Mooresville, Jon (Kathy) of Martinsville, Ralph Jr. (Cyndi) of Wilkinson, Allen (Dana) of Monrovia; daughters, Cynthia Atwell Elston of Bloomington, Robin (Norvel) Moore of Forrest Hill, Maryland, Devin (Elliott) Adams of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; one brother; four sisters; 26 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July, 18, 2020, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Stones Crossing Church: 7000 West Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, Indiana 46143. Memorial contributions may be made to a place of your choice. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com where you may share a memory or sign the online guest registry.
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Allen, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Nan Bailey
I’m so sorry ! Prayers & thoughts be with your family.
Precious memories of Uncle Ralph. That funny laugh of his & how his mouth curled up when he grinned! Thank you for being the special man you were. Love, Your niece, Louann ( Griffith) Lloyd
Mr. Atwell was a very wonderful man. I only met him a few times but was always treated with the utmost respect. He raised a wonderful family who was always as respectful as he was.
I loved Uncle Ralph’s laughter!! He was one of the funniest jokers I have ever met. I remember some of the fun things he took us with him – the mink ranch, his taxidermy days, and going fishing. He was an awesome man and will be sorely missed by many family members. Knowing we will someday see him in heaven is a huge comfort, but the hole in our heart will take some time to heal. We love you, Uncle Ralph, and prayers are being sent to the family. Jackie Amick
We will most certainly miss his sweet smile and unforgettable laughter at Dennys! Was always glad to see him pull up…rest in peace ralph.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Such a kind man, so sweet and helpful, genuine, loving and sorely missed!!!
Ralph’s caring nature and irreplaceable sense of humor are fondly remembered. Sending well wishes to the whole family.
Miss you dad. Love Cindy