Ralph J. Lair
February 06, 2017
Ralph James Lair, 68, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, February 6, 2017, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
He was born December 4, 1948, to Benjamin and Mary (Jenkins) Lair in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Saydel High School. Following graduation, he went to work for Hicklin Diesel (now Interstate Diesel). While employed at Hicklin, he was able to attend mechanics school through Allison Transmission and became a transmission specialist. He retired from Inland Truck in 2016. Ralph’s many interests included camping, fishing, and NASCAR. As a young man, he was a drag racer, and continued to enjoy being a spectator after his driving days were done. He also liked bowling and was a member of a pool league.
Ralph is survived by his children, Kimberly Bush (Brent), Karla Lair (Kathy Lamb), Kathy Jones, Kristin Lair (Kevin), and Lydia Mena-Lair; stepchildren, Debra Ibrahim, DeAnn Ibrahim, and Dawn Ibrahim; grandchildren, Leslie, Erik, Erin, Wyatt, Kelsey, Tina, Cristian, Catalina, Alazaya, and Ethan; sister, Michelle (Steve) Theis; nephew, Brandon Theis; wife, Barbara Lair; and a host of other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Mary Lair and his brother, David Lair.
Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 10, 2017 at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Cremation will follow.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Lung Association.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Donna & Julie Elbrecht
02/07/2017
Karla, Kim, Kathy and Kristen - we are thinking of all of you and the memories we had with your family when we lived in Des Moines. We always had fun and miss you all. Praying for peace and comfort in the days and weeks ahead. We love you.
John Gurney ITP Scottsbluff
02/07/2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Ralph was an amazing man. He always went above and beyond to make sure we and our customers were well taken care of. May God provide you with much comfort and peace.
Tim Barnes ITP Wichita
02/07/2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ralph was a wonderful man who will be missed greatly. God bless you all.
Michael Hollst ITP Lincoln
02/07/2017
Everyone in the Lincoln store wants to extend our condolences to your family on your lost.
Ralph was a true gentleman, and flat amazing with his knowledge of everything on Allison trans.
Never too busy to help and always a pleasure to talk to. Our prayers our with you and your family
John Schaffner ITP Bismarck
02/07/2017
So sorry for your loss, Ralph was an amazing guy. I can`t count the number of times he was our go to guy. He will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Simon Lambert
02/07/2017
I never met Ralph personally but he was always a pleasure to talk with on the phone! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dwayne Butts
02/07/2017
Such a nice guy., my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God speed my friend
Dave Partridge
02/07/2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Dave Johnson
02/07/2017
God Bless you my friend and your family!