Ralph Eugene Nevius, of Springfield, Missouri, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 10, 2022, at the age of 86 years.

Ralph will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn (Ewy); his children, Connie (Harley) Goodwin, and Sharon (Clay) Williamson; his grandchildren, Ryan, Julie, Aaron (Olivia), and Blake (China); his great-grandchildren, Madilyn, Kelea, Sheridan, Asher, Addyson, Emma, and Tyson; his sister, Dorothy Gum; his sister-in-law, Mary Nevius; and many other loving family members and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Sr., and Gladys (Guinn); his brother, Manuel “Sonny” Jr.; and his brother-in-law, George Richard “Dick” Gum.

Ralph was saved at the age of nine, and quickly began serving in his local church. He and Marilyn, high school sweethearts, were married on November 5, 1955, at Westside Baptist Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. Ralph supported his family as a salesman, eventually working in the shoe department at JC Penney until surrendering to full-time ministry in 1971. He and his family then moved to Springfield, Missouri, where both Ralph and Marilyn attended Baptist Bible College. During their time in Springfield the family faithfully attended and served at Cherry Street Baptist Church. After completing his Graduate of Theology degree in 1974, Ralph had the opportunity to work on the staff at Cherry Street Baptist Church. In 1975, Ralph was called to pastor Calvary Baptist Church in Pratt, Kansas, and there with Marilyn faithfully shared the gospel of Jesus and served their dear brothers and sisters in Christ. In 1992, they moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, to live closer to and care for Ralph’s mother, Gladys, and began to attend and serve at Westside Baptist Church. Ralph served Westside as an associate pastor until his retirement in 2006. Ralph and Marilyn then moved back to Springfield, Missouri, where they continued serving the Lord at Cherry Street Baptist Church. Over the last few years – even up until his final moments – Ralph selflessly cared for Marilyn, embodying the true form of a servant.

Ralph never missed the opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest, no matter if he was running or riding his bicycle, spending time with his family and friends, or ministering to others. Ralph’s deepest desire was that everyone would come to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. He prayed faithfully for his family and friends, for his church, and for missionaries around the world, and was a shining example of service, strength, and humility to everyone who knew him.

A visitation for Ralph will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, September 16, 2022, at Cherry Street Baptist Church, Springfield, Missouri. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made “In Memory of Ralph Nevius” to either the Missions Fund or the Building Fund at Cherry Street Baptist Church, Springfield, Missouri.