Obituary of Ralph Francis VanMetre

RALPH F.VANMETRE, 79 LAKELAND - Mr. Ralph F. VanMetre, age 79, a resident of Lakeland, went home to be with our Lord on Mon., April 21, 2014 due to a stroke. Mr. VanMetre was born Sept. 7, 1934 in Peebles, OH, to Ralph and Dorothy (Slack) VanMetre. He was a Polk Co. resident since the 1950s coming from OH. He graduated from McClain High School, Greenfield, OH. in 1952. He was a US Air Force veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. Ralph retired from Lakeland GTE Telephone in 1987. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Polk City. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter Diane Kay VanMetre. Ralph is survived by his loving family: wife of 59 years: Carolyn VanMetre of Lakeland, 2 sons: Todd (Darlene) VanMetre, Neal VanMetre, both of Lakeland, brother-in-law: Bill (Lettie) Ramsey, niece: Karen Ramsey, both of Lake Alfred, 3 grandchildren: Ashley, Kyle & Angela, 4 gt. grandchildren: Skyler, Logan, Madison & Zoey. Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Thurs. April 25, 2014 at Lakeside Memorial Park, Hwy 17 Winter Haven, Officiating Pastor Alan Moore. Arrangements By: Kersey Funeral Home.