Ralph Harty

Ralph Woodrow “Woody” Harty, 91, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Sunday, Feb.11, 2024, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Ralph was born March 5, 1932, to James and Rose (Day) Harty in Southeast Missouri. He married Dorothy Thornberry Oct. 2, 1954, in Clarkton, Missouri.

Ralph was born and raised in Southeast Missouri. He was a member of the United States Marine Corp from 1951-1954. He served in Korea and was awarded a Purple Heart for being wounded in combat. Ralph retired from the Missouri National Guard after 32 years. He was a proud member of the State and National shooting teams. Ralph also worked as a police officer for the VA Hospital for 34 years. He was very active in local Veteran organizations, including the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and the SEMO Honor Guard. Ralph was also a lifelong member of the SEMO Gun Club.

Ralph was a strawberry farmer for many years and was known to have some of the tastiest strawberries in the area. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, harvesting many deer and turkeys over the years. Ralph was also a Hunter Safety Course instructor for the Missouri Department of Conservation for many years. He also enjoyed caring for his many hunting dogs and watching westerns, especially Gunsmoke.

Ralph is survived by two children, Ronnie Harty and Lee Dowd; one brother, William Edward Harty; eight grandchildren, Kelly, Kathy, Charlie, R.W., Aaron, Sarah, Marc, and Matthew; 11 great-grandchildren; along with numerous extended family and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three children, Ralph “Glenn”, Harold Lee, and Marva Harty; two sisters and one brother.

Visitation will be held from 5 -7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at Landess Funeral Home in Campbell, Missouri with Pastor Nathan Kirkley officiating. Burial will take place at Stanfield Cemetery in Dunklin County.

Memorial donations can be made to Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services towards Mr. Harty’s final expenses.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Mr. Ralph Harty.

Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.

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