Ralph Trantham

Ralph Leonard Trantham, beloved husband, father and grandfather, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 19, 2011. He was born October 2, 1925 in Fair Grove, Missouri, to Ara and Viola (Murphy) Trantham. Ralph was a Marine, stationed in San Diego, California during World War II. After the war, he enrolled in Moody Bible Institute to study to be a missionary. Upon graduation from Moody, he married fellow graduate, Dorothy Jones. Prior to beginning his missionary service in Pakistan, Ralph was ordained at Leavitt Street Bible Church in Chicago. Together he and Dorothy served, primarily at Bach Christian Hospital in the Himalayan Mountains of Pakistan for 13 years. After returning to Chicago, Ralph continued to be active in Christian service at Leavitt Street Bible Church and then at Midwest Bible Church. Upon retirement, in 1991, Ralph and Dorothy moved to Zion to be closer to their children. Ralph had a servant's heart. After joining Lakeview Church, Ralph became a quiet, but constant presence, happily doing any task that needed to be done. He loved singing, especially Southern Gospel, and he sang for many years with the Lakeview Choir. He enjoyed walking every day, particularly with his Zion Park District friends. He was also a member of the Zion Genealogical Society, recently being named Volunteer of the Year. Ralph is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Zion, by his daughter, Beth (Nick) Severino of Kenosha, WI, his son, Mark (Sharleen) Trantham of Garland, Texas, his son, Gary (Sherry) Trantham of Beach Park, and his son Paul (Lynette) Trantham of Waukegan. He is also survived by his brother, Fred (Eva) Trantham of Missouri, his sister, Mary (William ) Landreth of Florida, and by 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. A Memorial service will be held Friday, November 25, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. at Lakeview Church, 1821 Sheridan Road, Zion, with Pastor Les Martin, officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 until the time of the service.