Ralph Anthony Bannigan, 85, of Raytown, Missouri, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2014. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26th at Faith Presbyterian Church, 8301 James A Reed Road, Raytown, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until service time at the church.
Ralph was born December 31, 1928, in Covington, Kentucky, the son of James W. & Genevieve (Haase) Bannigan. He married Shirley Southerland in October 1983. Ralph served in the U.S Army at WestPoint, and later in the U.S. Navy, serving in Korea on the U.S.S. Manchester. He attended UCLA and received his Master’s Degree in English Journalism at Southwest Missouri State. Ralph was the Director of Advertising at Strout Realty in Springfield, MO for 27 years, where he was also editor of Strout World. He was a writer for various magazine publications, including United Country. Ralph was active in his church and was an ordained Deacon and Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was president of the Springfield Jazz Club, and president of the Civic Aires in Springfield. He was an avid collector of music, books, and trains.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James; and sister, Mary Jo.
His survivors include his wife, Shirley Bannigan, of the home; son, Scott Bannigan of Springfield, MO; grandchildren, Marissa Bannigan & Brett Hemond; four dogs and one cat.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441