Ralph E. Heath Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Becherkluesner@insightbb.com 812-482-4141 Dateline Jasper, Indiana Ralph E. Heath age 95 of Jasper died at 10:50 a.m. Saturday (April 7, 2007) in Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper. He was born on April 10, 1911 at Delaware, Ohio to Harry V. and Osie (Hess) Heath. He was married twice; first marriage to Frances Schuetter, she preceded him in death on November 26, 1969, Second marriage to Bernadine Humbert on December 19, 1970. Ralph Heath came to Jasper in 1931 to manage J.J. Newberry store in Jasper. He also managed other JJ Newberry stores at New Albany, IN and Maplewood, MO also help open stores in Lynch berg, VA and So. Boston, VA and Charleston, W. VA. Owned & operated the Jasper laundry, Cleaners & Linen Supply for 25 years – 1945 – 1970. During this time was also operating two branches, one at West Baden and the 60 Minute Cleaners at Huntingburg, IN. Managed the Jasper Country Club 2 years – Managed the Jasper Muni Golf Course for 8 years and worked for many years at the Jasper Knight of Columbus Club in Jasper. Also started two other business, The Jasper Bowling & Athletic Supply in 1964 and sold it to Gus Doerner Sports and R&B Menswear in 1974 and sold it in 1980. (During these years he sponsored many softball, bowling and baseball teams.) Under Mayor Jack Newton he organized the Chamber of Commerce Traffic Safety Committee in 1968 and served as chairman for 6 years. He helped organize the Jasper Little League program in 1952 and served as its president for 5 times and was active in the program for over 40 years. He also served on the advisory board of the Northwood Good Samaritan Nursing Center and the AAA Board in Evansville. Recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in 1997. He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church – Jasper Knight of Columbus – Jasper Moose Lodge # 1175 -Served as Grand Knight of the K of C from 1979 thru 1980, Past president of the Jasper Kiwanis Club. Surviving is his wife Bernie 1 daughter, Diane Breeding, Saint Anthony, IN 1 son, James Heath, Crossville,TN 20 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 20 great great grandchildren. Preceding him in death besides his first wife is 1 son Fred Heath who died in 2001. Funeral services for Ralph E. Heath will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday (April 11, 2007) in St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery in Jasper. Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday (April 10, 2007) at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ralph E. Heath Memorial Little League Fund C/O The Dubois County Community Foundation or to a favorite charity.