Phillipsburg, KS resident, Ralph J. Cote, passed away Monday, June 24, 2024 at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg at the age of 82.
He was born June 2, 1942 in Kankakee, Illinois the son of LeRoy J. and Marian F. (Allison) Cote. He spent his childhood through a young adult in Kankakee.
He began his railroad career as Brakeman for Conrail Railroad Company in 1967 and finished his career as an Engineer with the Kyle railroad company in Phillipsburg, KS, retiring in 2006.
Ralph was united in marriage to Frances E. Kerrins on April 15, 1967 in Kankakee, Illinois.
After his life changing experience with Jesus, in 1977, Ralph never looked back to his old way of life. Ralph had a voice that carried, so everyone heard what he was going to say, whether they wanted to hear it or not. Ralph never shied away from sharing his thoughts, any of them. Most importantly, he boldly devoted himself to sharing Jesus with anyone who would listen; even in last hours he witnessed to the medical staff that was caring for him.
Ralph served our country in the U.S. Navy 1961 to 1965 on the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier. Ralph loved motorcycles, he belonged to the Christian Motorcycle Association. He also happily served in prison ministry and was awarded the “Volunteer of the Year” for the Norton Correctional Facility in 2006.
Ralph demonstrated his joy in the gift of giving. Whether it was for a stranger he met on the streets, his neighbor, or his family, Ralph carried out his desire to share with others. He often enjoyed spending time in God’s creation by grilling, fishing, hunting, and riding his motorcycle through the mountains, especially with Fran. Ralph treasured the time he spent with his family. In recent months, the new puppies brought him plenty of smiles.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Fran; his parents; grandson Levi W. Incitti; and great grandson Elijah Stewart.
Survivors include two daughters Shelly Cote and Kelly Cote, both of Phillipsburg; two sons Thomas Cote and wife Debby of Lubbock, TX and Rick Banuelos and wife Celeste of Trinidad, CO; a sister Mary Lee Cardosi of Englewood, FL; 9 grandchildren: Mallory Laughlin, AJ and Emilie Coca, Tarynn Stewart, Jordan Cote, Garrett Cote, Aubrey Clark, Ryan Banuelos, and Taylor Felthager and their families; and 19 great grandchildren.
Cremation was planned. Memorial services will be this Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the First Christian Church in Phillipsburg with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating. The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.
Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International c/o the funeral chapel.