The Rev. Ralph Wesley Middleton, age 84, died Sunday evening, August 11, 2024 at Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay, Ohio. Ralph was a minister member of Maumee Valley Presbytery.
On November 25, 1960 he married Donneta “Donny” Middleton, who preceded him in death in 2023. Ralph received training from Lewis and Clark College (BA, Mathematics and Physics, 1961), UCLA from 1961-65, and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary (MDiv, 1973), and was ordained by the Presbytery of Transylvania (Union) in July of 1973. Prior to ministry, Ralph worked at the Naval Weapons Center in China Lake, California employed as a civilian mathematician by the United States Navy, where he was selected as California’s nominee for Handicapped American of the Year, receiving a commendation from a member of congress for his work on behalf of persons with disabilities and presented a distinguished service award. Prior to ordination, Ralph served as Temporary Supply of First Presbyterian Church in Jasper, Indiana, and then Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Maysville, Kentucky, before coming in 1979 to be Pastor of Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Kenton, Ohio, retiring in 2001.
In retirement, Ralph and Donny continued to be a close team as Ralph continued preaching at East Side Presbyterian Church and later at Van Buren Presbyterian Church. Ralph was a community leader and an active presbyter, serving as the chair of the Nominating Committee for many years.
Ralph is survived by 2 children, daughter Kerin Krohn of Carmel, Indiana, and son Shawn (Kim) Middleton of Kenton, and many others.
There will be a memorial service at Trinity United Presbyterian in Kenton on Saturday, August 24 at 10am, with visitation following the service. Memorial donations can be made to Trinity United in Kenton.
Details can be found at the full obituary.
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, says the Spirit. They will rest from their labors, and their deeds follow them.
Revelation 14:13
