Ralph F. Taxter

Ralph F. Taxter, 96, Hays, Kansas passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Via Christi Village.

Ralph "Freddie" was born March 5, 1926 in Garnett, Kansas, the son of June and Ethel (Benjamin) Taxter. He was always appreciative of the A.M. Canady family of Garnett, who welcomed his grandfather Fred into their home off of the Orphan Train from New York City in 1885. Ralph graduated from Welda High School in Welda, Kansas in 1944. He served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946 during World War II and achieved the rank of Sergeant. During the war, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Ralph spent 37 years with Halliburton, retiring in Hays in 1991.

On April 19, 1950, Ralph was united in marriage to Catherine (Miller) Taxter in Greeley, Kansas and they shared 72 years of marriage. Together they are the loving and supportive parents of two sons: Mike and David. Ralph loved Kansas Jayhawk basketball as well as being an avid baseball fan of the Hays Larks and the Kansas City Royals.

Survivors include his wife: Catherine Taxter, two sons: Mike Taxter and wife Marlene and David Taxter, two grandchildren: Shawn Taxter and wife Mary and Kelley Pulis and husband Jeremy, four great-grandchildren: Ashley, Michael, Brody, and Brooklynn, and a brother: Max Taxter and wife Dianne.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Fred and Ella May Taxter and Ralph and Julia Benjamin, parents: June and Ethel Taxter, two brothers: Dale and Gail Taxter, and two sisters: Wilma Taxter and Barbara Olson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Friday, August 19, 2022 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Garnett. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Holy Angels Cemetery. Ralph had a love for children, so in lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions payable in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.