Ralph Lester Brawley, son of Sheldon and Zona (Johnson) Brawley was born on September 19, 1942 in their home in Alton, Missouri, and departed this life to enter his heavenly home, Up Yonder, on June 21, 2026, in Roach, Missouri at the age of 83 years. Ralph was the third of eleven children born to this union.
Ralph was united in marriage with Patsy Marie Weddle on September 19, 1964, and to this union two children were born, Jeff and Lori.
After retiring from his career of 39 years as Chief Warrant Officer in the Army Reserves, Ralph continued doing what he loved—working hard and serving others. For more than 17 years he worked alongside Jeff and Dylon at T & J Welding Shop, where he was known for his dedication, dependability, and loyal friendship.
Ralph relished time spent on the farm, helping with cattle and moving hay from the fields. He found great joy in fishing at the lake, but his greatest passion was fishing for people. Sharing the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ and telling others about what God had done in his life was at the heart of who he was. Ralph faithfully shared his testimony, handed out Encounter Ministry cards wherever he went, and enthusiastically invited others to Men’s Encounter and Ashes To Beauty. He never missed an opportunity to encourage someone, pray for them, or point them towards a life-changing relationship with God.
Among their most treasured joys in life was their family. They were proud, supportive, and loving parents of their kids Jeff, Sheila, Lori, and Andy. As grandparents, they loved each of their grandchildren unconditionally, always offering prayer, encouragement, support, and a place where they knew they were cherished. Their home and their hearts were always open, creating countless memories filled with lessons, traditions, laughter, comfort, and love.
Nothing brought them greater happiness than watching their family grow with the arrival of their great-grandchildren. They treasured every smile, every hug, and every milestone, seeing each child as one of God’s most precious blessings. Their great-grandchildren were the greatest gifts God entrusted to them, and they embraced every opportunity to love, nurture, and celebrate them, and to be their biggest fans. Their legacy of unwavering faith, love, and devotion to all of their family will live on through the generations they so deeply cherished and poured into.
Ralph and Pat took great pride in faithfully being members of their church at Lebanon First Assembly of God. They happily raised their family there, creating a home rooted in a six-generation family legacy. Ralph served as a Deacon at LFA for eleven terms, ranging from 1966 to 1992. They attended and served there together for more than 61 years. For the past 8 years, they have looked forward to sharing life with their small group of friends at Joe and Tracie Knapp’s home. The fellowship, laughter, and Godly friendships they built there became a very valued part of their lives.
Ralph had quite the witty sense of humor. He loved to joke around, tell stories, and share funny riddles and tunes. One of his favorite ways to make everyone laugh was when he would mischievously turn down Pat’s hearing aids from the app on his phone, just to see her reaction. His playful spirit brought joy and laughter to those around him, leaving precious memories that will never be forgotten.
He is preceded in death by his beautiful bride, Pat, his parents, Sheldon and Zona Brawley, brother Clifford Brawley, sister Beatrice Thompson and brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Thompson, sister-in-law Beverly Brawley, brother Keith Brawley and sister-in-law Deann Brawley, sister Daisy Ficken and brother-in-law Derald Ficken, brother-in-law Lawrence Jones, and his beloved grandson, Robert “Joel” Cruz.
He is survived by his son Jeff and wife Sheila Brawley of Roach, Mo; daughter Lori and husband Andy Cruz of Lebanon, Mo; six grandchildren Tiffany and husband Joell Calton of Lebanon, Mo; Dylon and wife Ashlynn Brawley of Roach, Mo; Santana and husband Colton Emmons of Niangua, Mo; McKenna Cruz of Lebanon, Mo; and Cheyenne and husband Nate Bell of Roach, Mo; nine great grandchildren Gracie, Easton, Bentleigh, Kamden, Oakleigh, Jaxton, Kohen, Bexleigh and Kaysen, as well as his bonus girls Jaime and Paralee (Cruz) Coe.
Sister-in-law Dorothy Brawley, brother Sheldon “Junior” Brawley, sister Mary and husband James West, sister Ruth and husband James Johnson, sister Donna Jones, brother Duane and sister-in-law Donna Brawley, and brother Dale and sister-in-law Janet Brawley. Along with many, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews whom he loved dearly.
Ralph will be incredibly missed by his family, friends, and anyone who had the privilege of knowing him!
The family wanted to share that a celebration of life in honor of Ralph and Patsy Brawley will be held on July 12, 2026, at 3:00 pm at Lebanon First Assembly of God church in Lebanon, Missouri.
Ralph and Pat were both very passionate about seeing people’s lives transformed by God through Men’s Encounter and Ashes To Beauty! Memorial donations can be sent to Encounter Ministry (Men’s Encounter/Ashes To Beauty) in Lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
