Ralph Gordon Bee

Ralph Gordon "Bud" Bee, 86, of Indianapolis a First Responder, Fire Fighter, Police Officer, Navy Veteran, passed away July 18, 2014 at 10:00 pm. He served his community in many capacities, but his love was the Fire Department and First Responder. Ralph was born on June 13, 1928 in Gully Mills West VA to Bernard and Anna (Bowers) Bee. Ralph graduated from George Washington High School and served our country during WWII and Korea as a Seabee and a Roscoe Raider and a P.O.W. After serving in the military he began his working career at Kingan's Meat Packing Plant. Then he became an inspector for Insurance Service Offices and also became one of the founders of Station #10 of Wayne Township Fire Department in Clermont, Indiana. He was driven to serve and earned the reputation in Clermont as an unselfish man who did whatever job needed to be done-whatever way he had to do it. He was not afraid to voice his opinions on anything including the weather. As he worked his way up in the Fire Department he became Chief and was also known as "Pops" around fire headquarters. He was a member of Chapel Rock Christian Church and a life time member of the Clermont Lions Club where he served in many roles including as Past President, Vice-President, et. al. He was also a Mason and member of the Blue Goose, Ward Chairman of the Wayne Township GOP, and a Special Deputy for the Marion County Sheriff's Department, an officer Clermont Police Department and worked for both Dick Simon Racing and C and H Racing Teams. Ralph was also a part of USAC Officials and the Indy 500 Old Timers Club, which was the Safety Patrol at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was also a Redman's Lodge member. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Doris M. (Byrum) Bee and nine siblings. Calling will be held on Thursday July 24, 2014 at Flanner and Buchanan-Speedway from 2 to 9 pm with a Lions Club service at 7:30 pm Additional calling on Friday from 10 to 11 am. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 am in the funeral center. Burial will be in Washington Park North Cemetery. Ralph is survived by his daughters Maria L. Aytes and Lynda R. (Jerry) Hughbanks and his grandchildren Stacey M. King, Jasmine B. Gibson, Sarah Rose, Thomas Griffith and Ted Hughbanks and five great grandchildren, His siblings include Donald (Linda) Bee, Howard (Sonia) Bee and Sherry Tamlin. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Wayne Township Fire Department Burn Unit 700 North High School Road Indianapolis, IN 46241 or to Clermont Lions Club Leader Dog Program 3201 North Tansel Road, Clermont, IN 46234. You are invited to share a memory or a story or a condolences and watch a video tribute in memory of Ralph by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com