Ralph Eugene Vanduyn

Ralph Eugene VanDuyn, 77, of Milan, IN, formerly of Indianapolis, passed away on Friday, July 2, 2021.  He was born on August 8, 1943 in Shirley, IN to the late Ernest VanDuyn and Mary Effie (Stacey) Shambaugh.

Ralph served in the United States Navy on the USS Constellation from 1960-1964.  He retired from Indygo Transportation (Metro) after 40 years and knew every street and alley frontward and backwards if you ever needed directions, he was the best.  After retirement, Ralph delivered flowers for Paul’s Flower Shop.  He was a Moose member for years and enjoyed all the outings and friendships made.

Ralph and his wife, Judy raised 3 daughters and spent his time taking them fishing, which he loved, as well as cooking and doing lots of homework. He also enjoyed road trips to visit his sister, and one of his favorite things was eating at Steak-N-Shake.

Ralph loved playing euchre and spent many weekends playing with the family; he won most of the time.  The kids would joke and say, “You can’t beat the 80-year-old veteran” and he was ruthless.  When there weren’t enough people to play cards, Ralph liked to kick butt at Yahtzee.

He made what the grandkids called, “Pap Burgers”.  We all tried to cook our hamburgers the same way and it couldn’t be done, no matter what we did; his were always special and so good no one could match it.

Ralph was a fun-loving person with a great since of humor. He was a good husband, great dad and pappa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ralph left us too soon but will always be with us. The memories and special moments we each shared with him will never be forgotten.

He was very sad when his little dog Bear Bear, that he took everywhere, passed away. Then came along his ‘boys’ (dogs), Frankie and Louie; and he will be greatly missed by them both.

Ralph is survived by his daughters, Angela (William) Owensby, Eugenia (Dave) Engle, Rachell VanDuyn; sister, Shirley Ballard; 8 grandchildren and 8 ½ great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 40 years, Judith (Patrick) VanDuyn; siblings, Ray Dean, Judith VanDuyn, Sharon VanDuyn; and grandson, Shane Shilling.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 12-2pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East, with a memorial service immediately following.  Ralph will be laid to rest next to his wife, Judith in Washington Park East Cemetery.