Ralph Shannon

Ralph Shannon, age 93 of Fort Collins, Colorado, graduated to Glory and went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ December 7, 2008 at Vibra Hospital in Thornton, Colorado.   A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 10th at First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College, Ft. Collins. Ralph A. Shannon was born August 10, 1915 in Paradise, Texas to Hugh and Eunice Shannon.  His family traveled by covered wagon to Burkburnett, Texas after which he moved to Pampa, Texas where he grew up and met the love of his life.  On January 1, 1939, Ralph married Charlotte Watson in Sayre, Oklahoma.  He served in the U. S. Navy as a Radioman 1st Class; in the battles of Guadalcanal and at Quaduline, in the South Pacific.  Later, while living in St. Louis, he helped ferry LSTs from Cincinnati to New Orleans.  Ralph enjoyed fishin' in his spare time. Ralph worked as a traveling salesman selling household goods, school and Christmas supplies.  He sold many of his products to Sam Walton for the original Wal-Mart store in Bentonville, Arkansas.  A remarkable accomplishment of Ralph's was that he was one of twelve men who founded Hidden Falls Ranch, a Christian Youth Camp, in 1965.  It is located on the edge of the Palo Duro Canyon south of Amarillo, Texas.  He was a mentor to many young people over the years. He lived for many years in Amarillo, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and has lived for the past six years in Fort Collins where he has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church.  Ralph is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Charlotte and their two children, Paddy Shannon of Ft. Collins and Jeff & B.J. Shannon of Blanchard, Oklahoma, granddaughter Brandi Schmidt and Great Granddaughter Jamie Schmidt of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and two adopted grandsons, Brett and Zak Thompson. He is also survived by his special buddy Precious. He was preceded in death by his eight siblings. His family requests that any memorial donations please be made in lieu of flowers, to Hidden Falls Ranch, Inc., P. O. Box 136, Wayside, TX  79094.