Ralph Gene Everett

A beloved husband, father, and "Papaw", Ralph G. Everett, passed away on June 11, 2024. He was born on December 18, 1931, in Tyler, Texas, and often reminisced about his idyllic childhood on Old Copeland Road, surrounded by his two brothers, Billy Joe and Neilan, as well as many lifelong friends.

Ralph attended Tyler High School, where he met the love of his life, Helen Ruth Burnett. They married in March 1954 and spent their honeymoon driving back to San Diego for Ralph's final year of Navy service. Ralph served four years as a Radioman aboard the USS Redfish, a period he frequently spoke about with great passion. After his Navy service, the couple returned to Tyler, where their son Brad was born in 1958. Shortly after moving to Longview in 1961, their daughter Jill was born.

Never a stranger to hard work, Ralph worked for Retail Credit, Mager Mortgage, and East Texas Teachers Credit Union until the early 1990s. Following his retirement, he joined the Longview Police Department, where he made many friends and took pride in his work. A loyal and kind-hearted man, Ralph had a passion for woodworking and people. Many neighbors and citizens of Longview own one of his elaborate birdhouses, church replicas, or anniversary signs.

Family meant everything to Ralph and he cherished the time he spent with them.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Carmel, his brothers, Jerry, Neilan, Billy Joe, daughter Cherie and his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Helen. He is survived by his son Brad and wife Donna, his daughter Jill, and his three grandchildren, Katie, Meagan, and Blake as well as his sister, Dianne.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Whispering Pines Nursing Home and Three Oaks Hospice for their loving care during Ralph's final days. His kind heart will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A Life Celebration visitation of Ralph's life will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Welch Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will take place on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 11:30 am at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.