Ralph Newton Stapp, 98, was promoted to be in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, June 20, 2022, at his home in Fort Scott, Kansas. He was born December 3, 1923, in Arcadia, Kansas, the son of Ralph Newton and Nellie Lucille (Montgomery) Stapp. He married Mary Evelyn Lawhead on January 26, 1968, in Miami, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death June 21, 2003.
Ralph graduated from Fort Scott High School, Class of 1942. He was a lifelong farmer and rancher at the family farm west of Fort Scott.
He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving in the Pacific Fleet during World War II. He sailed out of the San Francisco Bay, under the Golden Gate Bridge, to enter the war. North of the Golden Gate Bridge is a statue honoring the sailors who sailed from there to enter World War II, and Ralph was one of those sailors.
Ralph was a faithful member of First Assembly of God, serving many years as a board member. He was a man devoted to God and prayer. He was a 50+ year member of the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Survivors include his sister, Joyce Platt of Livermore, California, nephews, Rev. John Gifford, Charles Gifford, Joe Bridgman, Scot Bridgman, David Platt, and great nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Ralph and Mary’s dear friends who they considered their extended family; the McNutt Family, Craig, JoAnn, Travis, Tyler, Nicole and Tanner. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary, and two sisters, Margaret Stapp and Mary Ellen Gifford.
Rev. Don Payne, who served as Ralph’s Pastor for over 14 years, and Rev. John Gifford, his nephew, will conduct funeral services at 11:00 am Friday, July 1, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Burial will follow at the US National Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the US Navy Funeral Honor Detail out of Kansas City, Missouri. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
