Ralph Staves, Jr.

Ralph E. Staves, 90, of Tennessee Terrace, passed away on October 20, 2018, at his home in Orlando. He was born in Leesburg, Florida, on June 18, 1928, and moved to Orlando two years later. He married Patricia in 1949 and they had five children. He had many hobbies over the years, including car port sales, gardening, photography, raising parakeets, and keeping tropical fish aquariums. His carpentry and building skills, along with an abundance of creative ideas, enabled him to make the necessary home renovations and expansions needed to accommodate his five children.

Ralph retired from Boeing Aeronautics in 1987 after a long career. In retirement, he developed new hobbies, some of which expanded into business endeavors. These included buying and selling CB radios and accessories, and acquiring real estate for rental properties.

In 1974, Ralph donated a kidney to his 12-year-old daughter Carrie, a gift of life which enabled her to live a further 36 years.

He was a devoted loving husband and best friend to Patricia, and we will all miss him very much.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Patricia Lennon Staves; two sons, Ralph (Bo) of Orlando, FL, and David of Cartersville, GA; and a daughter, Jennifer (Don) Christenberry, of Columbus, IN. He is also survived by grandchildren Brian, Dana, and Corin, and great-grandson Thomas. He is pre-deceased by his son Jeffrey, daughter Carrie, and grandson Danny

Memorial donations may be made to St. Judes Hospital or Alzheimer's Association

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