Ralph "Howdy" Stinson

Ralph E. "Howdy" Stinson, a native Clevelander, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at the age of 91 in Macon, Georgia. He graduated from Euclid Central HS in 1940 and was employed as a tool and die maker before enrolling at Ohio State. His education was put on hold when he joined the Army. Mr. Stinson served in the European Theater of war with the 14th Field Artillery where he earned 5 bronze battle stars and a Battle Field Commission to Second Lieutenant on the Rhine River near Cologne Germany. He served with Occupation Army in Heldburg as a First Lieutenant, returning home in 1946. Mr. Stinson married Priscilla Studebaker from Beloit, WI and returned to Ohio State where he graduated with honors in 1948 as a Mechanical Engineer. He returned to Cleveland, working at Bettcher Mfg., a metal stamping plant, and became President in 1963. He sold the company in 1989. Ralph was well known in the industry. He served as President of Cleveland Engineering Society for 2 years; as well as President of the District Chapter, National Board member, and National President of the American Metal Stamping Association which took him to Canada, Mexico, Japan, Germany, France and Switzerland. He was also named Alumnus of the Year in 1991 by the Alumni Association of the Mechanical Engineers at Ohio State. Mr. Stinson served as Deacon and Elder at Rocky River Presbyterian Church and received Layman of the Year Award by the Kiwanis Club in 1972. He was a member of Rotary, received the Paul Harris Award upon retirement; and served on the Board of Directors for Rockwell Springs Trout Club. He was also a member of the Shiners, Al Sirat Grotto, Al Koran; and Director of the Royal Order of Jesters in 1995. With his wit, humor and loud voice he was a popular public speaker and emcee in the Cleveland area and was never too busy to stop and listen or give a helping hand. Mr. Stinson was a member of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church. He was President of the former Solomon Fellowship Sunday School class for 3 years. Retirement took them to St. Michaels, Maryland where he enjoyed golfing and spending time on his beloved boat, the "Buckeye". They moved in 2001 to Macon, Georgia into Carlyle Place. The family wishes to thank the Management and employees for their loving care and many acts of kindness. Ralph was a devoted family man and is survived by his loving wife, Priscilla, of 67 years; children, Wendy (Glen Ford) of Arizona; David (Patricia) of Macon, Georgia; Pamela (Dominic Scibilia) of Brunswick, Ohio; 3 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. **UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION** Memorial services will be 12:30PM on Friday, January 24, 2014 at Hart's at the Cupola with the Reverends Tommy Perkins and Cile Mitchell officiating. Burial will be at Andersonville National Cemetery with military honors at 10:00AM on Friday, January 24th. Family will greet friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, it was Ralph's wish that memorial contributions be made to the Carlyle Place Endowment Fund, c/o Medcen Foundation, 838 High Street, Macon, Georgia. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.