Ralph Howard Cessna III, 76, passed away March 20, 2019 at his home in Port St. Lucie, FL. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gerri Cessna, daughter Yvette Dawn Cessna Smith, her husband Jeffrey, son Timothy Howard Cessna and his wife Tahra, and grandchildren: Stefanie, Archie, Tyler, Joshua, Cheyanne, Alexis, Clayton, Gavin and Gage, great granddaughters: Sky and Aubrey, and his sisters: Ann Marshall and Connie Ryland. He is proceeded in death by his mother Hermina, his father Ralph Howard Cessna Jr. and son James Mark Kraus.

Ralph was born in Fremont, Ohio on March 17, 1943 and raised on the family farm in Jerry City.  He graduated Elmwood Highschool in 1961 and went on to attend Ohio State University before enlisting in the US Navy. Ralph was a Navy Corpsman during the early stages of the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct, Armed Forces Expeditionary (Vietnam Service), National Defense Service, Republic of Vietnam Campaign with Device, and First award for period ending October 16, 1967.

His love of farming instilled in him at an early age, was found again on the golf course where he worked over a span of 19 years, making courses beautiful as a superintendent.  Ralph was very passionate about the Boy Scouts of America.  He was involved in scouting for over 34 years and helped over 20 scouts, including his youngest son, gain the rank of Eagle.  The last few years he served as Chairman of the Eagle Board with the Indian River District.  Ralph believed in God, Country and Family and it showed in everything he did, always giving 110% and raised his kids to do the same.

The family is asking in lieu of flowers, donations be made in honor of Ralph Howard Cessna III to the Boy Scouts of America, Gulf Stream Council, 8835 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

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