Ralph Ernest Riemensnider, age 84, of Iberia, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2010, at his home. He was born in Laclede County on December 28, 1925, son of the late, George Ernest and Eva Tullis (Thomson) Riemensnider. On December 30, 1946, in Harrison, Arkansas, he married Imogene Barnett, who preceded him in death on October 19, 2005.

Ralph was the oldest of six children. He attended Sleeper Grade School and later Stoutland High School for a period of time. He then attended Swedeborg High School, but went to live with an uncle to help on his farm and graduated form Camdenton High School. Some of his fondest memories were of times spent with his father in his blacksmith shop in Sleeper. A fire destroyed the blacksmith shop forcing the family to relocate to Miller County and begin farming. During the war an uncle joined the army leaving his farm short-handed, so Ralph went to live on that farm. After graduating as the class salutatorian in 1943, he joined the Navy and served in active duty until 1945 and continued in the National Guard until 1947.

After just returning from the Navy, he worked in Kansas City, coming home on the weekends. It was during this time that he met Imogene Barnett and they married in 1946 making their home in rural Iberia. Throughout the years Ralph worked various jobs in the Iberia area including driving an oil delivery truck, and a mechanic for both Eads Garage and Perkins Garage. He also owned and operated Iberia Transfer Company for several years hauling livestock from the Iberia area to St. Louis and freight from St. Louis and Springfield. During this time he and Imogene operated the Iberia Feed and Produce Store. Later he managed the MFA Exchange in Iberia and then moved to the Bank of Iberia. For a short period of time he sold insurance in the Columbia and Springfield area. Imogene and Randy were at home on the farm by themselves and this arrangement didn't last long. He then took a job at the Bank of Tuscumbia working there until his retirement. Ralph, son Randy, and grandson Tim operated R&R Farms raising cattle in Iberia until his passing.

Ralph loved people and this was apparent in all his working life. The early years of his married life were not easy and his working days were sometimes 48 hours long, but despite those tough years, he was a loving husband, a patient and caring father, a good friend to all, and always remained true to his Christian beliefs. He loved to tell stories about some of the colorful people he met and the interesting predicaments he sometimes found himself dealing with. Later in life, as macular degeneration took his sight, Ralph still took delight in visiting with people and reliving those earlier, now humorous times.

Throughout his life, Ralph was a dedicated Christian and living a Christian life was at the center of his convictions. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Iberia and has served as an elder for several decades. He was active in all areas of the church and loved teaching Sunday School Classes until his failing eyesight prevented it. He sang in the church music group until his passing and loved singing bass on those old Southern Gospel Songs. As a young man he played the tuba, violin, and guitar. Music remained a big part of his life.

Ralph was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was recently serving on the Board of Directors for the Miller County Nursing Home and Bank Star One. He also served on the Board of the Miller County Soil and Water District and was a member of the Miller County University Extension Board for many years.

He is survived by one daughter, Linda Beckham of Iberia; one son, Randy Riemensnider and wife Paula of Iberia; four grandchildren, Tim Riemensnider and wife Angela of Iberia, Dawn Oligschlaeger and husband Luke of Iberia, Sam Beckham of St. Louis, and Sara Beckham of Anchorage, Alaska; five great-grandchildren, Taylor Oligschlaeger, Max Oligschlaeger, Noah Riemensnider, Collin Riemensnider, and Evan Riemensnider all of Iberia; two brothers, Louis Riemensnider and Everett "Bud" Riemensnider; and many relatives and cherished friends.

He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Florine who died at age 3 in 1930, Helen Mae Spoon (2004), and Sara Jane Mitchell (2009).

Services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2010, at the Iberia First Christian Church. Rev. Stan Way will officiate. Interment with military honors under the direction of Iberia VFW Post 6167 and American Legion Post 105 will be in Bethany Cemetery near Crocker.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 4, at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Bethany Cemetery.