Ralph Skinner,Age 84, of Madison, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2009 At home.

Born October 11, 1924 in Sharon, Pennsylvania to Hazel (Ritter) & Roy Skinner, he married Viola Volante in 1946

He retired from The Lanly Company after 28 years

A true American hero, Ralph served in the US Army during WWII, participating in the Battle of the Bulge. He served as the National Security Chairman and Commander for American Legion Post 112 in Madison and organized the Madison Community Funeral Honors Team. He was also active with the Junior Rifle Club and in the John Birch Society, preserving American Freedoms and the United States Constitution. He worked for Euclid Electric and the Diamond Magnesium Company. Ralph was an active member of Here?s Hope Baptist Church in Madison.

He is survived by Wife, Viola Jennie Skinner of Madison; 2 Sons, Roy Edward (Vickie) Skinner, Sr. & Ronald Neal (Leslie) Skinner; Grandchildren, Lynn Ann (Walt) McLaren, Rachel Ann (Woody) Pringle, Roy Edward (Rachel) Skinner II; Great Grandchildren, Reagan Elizabeth Morgan, Jayden Allen Duchon, Isaiah Xavier Skinner

He was preceded in death by Parents, Hazel M. & Roy Skinner; Step Parents, Edward & Ruth Hogan; Granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Skinner; Brother, Robert Neal Skinner; Sister-in-law, Shirley B. Skinner;

Friends will be received 2-4:00 and 7-9:00 p.m. on both Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29, 2009, at The Behm Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26 River St., Madison, Ohio.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2009 at The Behm Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26 River St., Madison, Ohio. Pastor Bob Higgins of Here?s Hope Baptist Church will be officiating.

Final Resting Place will be at Fairview Cemetery in Madison, Ohio.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 East 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119.