Ralph Herbert Beaver

Ralph H. Beaver, age 96, was born in Dayton Ohio, May 19, 1930, and departed this earthly life on Sunday, November 8, 2026, to dwell with his Beloved Lord. He was proceeded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Margaret (Brown) Beaver. Ralph was the son of Carrie (Peffly) and Clarence Beaver; and brother of Robert Beaver, all of whom predeceased him. Sisters-in-law Janice Beaver, Carolyn Schroeder, and Marcia Winfield; and brothers-in-law Kenneth Winfield and Billy Nall also predeceased him.

Ralph is survived by his daughter Stephanie (George) Burd; son Craig (Misty) Beaver; 8 grandchildren Troy (Brandy) Rose Jr., Jennifer (Russell) Reynolds, Christopher (Jenna) Beaver, Stacey Thibodeaux, Kyle (Hannah) Soliday, Matthew (Taryn) Burd, Katelyn (Ryan) Olivier, and Bethany (Dustin) Burd; 17 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Marilyn Nall; brother-in-law Richard Schroeder; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph graduated from Arcanum High School in 1948 and studied Industrial Management at the University of Dayton. Ralph retired from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) (2750th Air Base Wing) in May 1985 after a successful and rewarding career. His first 25 years of service were in Civil Engineering, serving at Gentile AFS as a Cost Accountant and Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command as Real Property Manager. He further served at WPAFB as Real Estate Chief; Industrial Engineering Chief; Deputy Operations and Maintenance; Assistant for Family Housing; and Executive to the Civil Engineer. In 1973, Ralph was promoted to the position of Executive Assistant to the Wing Commander—the senior civilian position for the Wing—where he served for 12 years under the direction of 7 different Commanders. Ralph attended the prestigious Brookings Institute. He was also awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, and the Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award. Ralph’s civilian and military service (US Navy and Ohio Air National Guard) encompassed 39 years of governmental service.

In 1987, Ralph became involved in the golf industry and became a Class A PGA Golf Professional. Ralph was a Teaching Professional at Prairie Trace Golf Course, teaching junior golf programs and a variety of adult programs, which he dearly loved. Additionally, Ralph worked with the Southern Ohio Section of the PGA as a Rules Official.

Ralph was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Fairborn Ohio, since 1955, where he was an ordained Deacon and Elder. Ralph was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Dora Florida, where he served as an Elder and Trustee.

Ralph was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was affectionately known by his grandkids as “The Big Guy.” Each one of us misses him dearly. We miss his smile, his laugh, and the stories of his life. He taught us all so much. We are, however, comforted knowing he is once again reunited with his beloved wife Margaret.

The family extends their gratitude to Hospice of Dayton for enabling him to spend his final days with his family at home. The family is also forever grateful for Ashley Soto—Ralph and Margaret’s caregiver of 3 years—for her patience, dedication, and compassionate care.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1130 Highview Drive, Fairborn, Ohio, between 12:00 and 1:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 1:30 PM with Pastor Lynn Bova officiating. A reception in the Fellowship Hall will follow the service.

There will be a private family burial at Woodland Cemetery on a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s name to the Scholarship Fund of the PGA of America (PGA Jr. League) at https://give.pgareach.org/give/650684/#!/donation/checkout.