Nov. 30, 1924 — March 5, 2017

Ralph Antles Jr., 92, passed away following a brief illness Sunday, March 5, 2017, at White Oaks Assisted Living Center in Lawton.

Ralph was born Nov. 30, 1924, in Buchanan, to Ralph and Marjorie (Tweedy) Antles.

He married Lucille Graham on Feb. 16, 1946, in Indiana. He worked as a supervisor at Rudy MFG./Sundstrand in Dowagiac for his entire career until retirement in 1984.

An avid outdoorsman and nature lover, he knew a great deal about fish, birds and all manner of wildlife, as well as their natural habitats. Ralph also enjoyed sports and was a dedicated fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and the Michigan State Spartans.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Laurel Antles Nedervelt of Portage; grandchildren Logan (Amy) Nedervelt, Kelsey (Dan) Kavanagh, Derek (Erika) Antles and Bryan (Stephanie) Antles; stepgrandson Steve (Janice) Hahn; great-grandchildren Taylor, Dylon, Trevor, Breanna and David J. Antles; great-stepgrandchildren Levi and Remi Hahn; sister Bonnie Whitbey; sister-in-law Carol Antles; brother-in-law Kenneth Schauer; and daughter-in-law Sandie Antles.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille, in 2000; son David R. in 1978; sisters Pauline, Helene and Earlda; and brother Dennis.

Friends may visit with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur. A celebration of life service will be hosted at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Newell Chapel, with Jim Abshagen officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery with a luncheon following at the VFW in Decatur.

Memorial donations may be made to Grace Hospice, 2725 Airview Blvd., Ste. 101, Portage, MI 49002, or Animal Rescue Project, 219 Peekstock Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. Friends wishing to leave a condolence may do so at newellchapel.com.