Ralph Leroy "Bud" Housman Sr.

Ralph LeRoy Housman passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 9, 2022. He was 94 years old. Ralph was born Feb 5, 1928 to parents William and Orpha (Starbuck) Housman in Kansas City, Missouri. Ralph was the middle child with older sister Dorothy and younger brother Charles.
Immediately graduating high school, Ralph enlisted in the Marines in 1945 and went through training in California before being stationed in Peiping China during the latter part of WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1947 with the rank of Corporal.
Ralph wed Donna Jean Gallagher February 19th, 1949, and together they had three children. They lived and raised their family in Sugar Creek, having lived in the same home since 1949. At the time of Ralph’s passing, they had been married 72 years.
Ralph was a member of Local #2 Sheet Metal Workers Union and stayed active with the union after his retirement in 1988. He was an active member for more than 70 years.
Ralph had many hobbies and interests. He especially enjoyed traveling many years with their bank travel group. They did a day trip by bus every month, and once a year would go on a larger trip. Ralph’s favorite destination was the Alaska trip taken in the mid 1990s.
Ralph spent his free time volunteering at the Palmer and Sermon Centers in Independence, working around his farm, fishing, deer hunting and spending time with his friends and family.
Ralph was a craftsman- hand making many items for those he cared about. He was an expert wood worker as well as jewelry maker. He polished rocks and gems that were collected during their travels and made them into signature pieces.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; siblings, Dorothy Lewis, and Charles Housman; son, Mark Housman (Vickie); and grandchildren, Kevin Housman (Tonya), Jessica Iske (Justin), Lisa Doble, Trish Lamley, and Greg Housman.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, William and Orpha Housman; and son, Ralph Housman Jr.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Working Families’ Friend
1021 Pennsylvania Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64105
We kindly request that masks be worn during services.
A visitation to take place Monday February 14, 2022 at Carson Speaks Chapel, 1501 E. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64050, family will greet guest between the hours of 6-8pm. A graveside service will take place 10am, Tuesday February 15, 2022 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Independence, Missouri.