Ralph Kingman

In loving memory of Ralph A. Kingman, 82, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 11, 2008. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose sense of humor and wit touched so many of our lives. He was born on Dec. 20, 1925 in Topeka the youngest son of Edward and Henry Kingman and Nellie Belle Kingman. He is survived by his wife Winifred "Winnie" Kingman of the home after 63 years of marriage, his son, Daniel A. Kingman and wife Yingmin of Topeka, his daughter, Diana Captain and husband Peter of Lake Mary, Florida, Granddaughters: Jessica Captain Hughey and her husband Bill, and Kristin Captain all from Charlotte, North Carolina, Grandsons: Seth Kingman of Minneapolis, Minnesota, John Kingman of Brooklyn, New York and Jeff Kingman of Topeka.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Margaret James Eklund and brothers, Charles, Paul, Howard, Walter and Albert.
Ralph graduated from Seaman High School in 1943 and served in the United States Navy in World War II. He attended Washburn University and Continuing Education at University of Virginia with the Postal Service. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1980 as Director of Mail Processing after 37 years of service. After retiring he worked for the Kansas Senate for 10 years.
Ralph was an avid woodcarver and created many pieces of work, most notably his wooden ducks. His other hobbies included bird watching, gardening, his daily crossword puzzle and playing golf at Shawnee Country Club for 30 years. He served on the Seaman School District Board of Education for 10 years. He was an active leader with his children in 4-H, Little League and Boy Scouts.
Ralph was a member of the North Topeka Kiawanis Club, Moose Lodge, American Legion and Arab Temple Shrine as a Greeter and in the Legion of Honor.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ the King Church at 5973 SW 25th St., 66614, ArabShrineHospitals, 1305 S. Kansas Avenue, 66612, or Midland Hospice 200 SW Frazier Circle, 66604.
Visitation will be at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel on Thursday, May 15 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at Christ the King Church May 16th at 12:00 noon. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery.