Ralf Norbert Taylor

Ralf Norbert Taylor, age 57, of Burkburnett, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Ralf was born February 20, 1966, in Ober-Ramstadt, Germany. He attended first and second grades at Hof Air Station, Germany. In July 1973, Ralf, with his mother Rosel, brother James, and sister Michele, joined his dad in their reassignment to the “United States.” His dad’s Air Force career took them from Darmstadt Army Installation, Germany, to Hof Air Station, Germany, Bolling AFB, DC, Karamursel Air Station, Turkey, Langley AFB, VA, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Sheppard AFB, TX. He was a member of Ramstein High School’s first graduating class (1985). Ralf then joined his family in their reassignment to Sheppard AFB, TX.

On September 8, 1986, Ralf, following his dad's and his brother’s footsteps, enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB, TX and Technical Training at Sheppard AFB, TX, his first permanent duty assignment was Sheppard AFB as a Finance Management Specialist. He also served as a Security Forces augmentee.

At Sheppard, he was actively involved in developing and providing healthy off-duty activities for Technical Training students. His leadership and servant traits were recognized when selected as the Air Force Sergeants Association, District 10, First Term Airman of the Year for 1988. In 1990, he was reassigned to Wiesbaden AB, Germany. From Wiesbaden, he was reassigned to Elmendorf AFB, AK, where he served as Group Resource Advisor. At Elmendorf, Ralf met and married Sandra Barnes, who had a son Adam Barnes. During his USAF career, Ralf served as a Finance Management Specialist and Craftsman, Financial Analysis Craftsman and Military Training Advisor.

Ralf returned to Sheppard AFB for his last assignment. There he served as a Military Training Advisor until his retirement from active duty, September 30, 2007.

Military Decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, 1 oak leaf cluster; Air Force Commendation Medal, 3 clusters; National Defense Medal with Bronze Star; Overseas Ribbon, 2 clusters; Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Airman Achievement Medal, 1 cluster. Military Education includes Airman Leadership Academy, NCO Prep Course, NCO Academy, and Military Training Advisor School.

After retirement from the USAF, Ralf served as a financial manager at Clinics of North Texas. Returning to Civil Service, Ralf served as Training Technician, Field Studies Program Manager, International Military Student Office officer and Wing International Program Manager.

Ralf is survived by his wife Sandra, son Adam Barnes, granddaughter Zailey Barnes, mother Rosel, dad Tom, brother James, sister Michele, nephew Preston, brother-in-law’s Jeffrey Graves, his daughter Sarah, Edward Graves and his Wife Shunna, their daughter Haylee Graves and son Tristan Graves, and Sister-in-law Cheryl Warren and her daughter, Cheyenne Warren.

A Leadership Wichita Falls graduate, Ralf was a servant to both friends and strangers. He was Zailey’s Coach in the Miracle League of Wichita Falls sporting events. Most recently he sponsored a group of “miracle kids” to a day of bowling – a first for most of the kids. “Christmas Kicks for Kids” was Ralf’s (and friends) annual fund raiser to take underprivileged kids Christmas shopping for new shoes (they were able to shop for shoes) and backpacks. The Burkburnett ISD “special needs” classes was one of his favorite programs. He was a driving force in enhancing the program. He joyfully paid for annual petting zoo trips for Zailey’s class. The Burkburnett Boys and Girls Club will miss his efforts in their behalf.

He enjoyed hunting with Jack Clouse, Mike McCarthy and Jason, long walks and relaxing with granddaughter Zailey and maintaining his beautiful yard. He was a devoted son to his mother Rosel and father Tom.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical personnel for their expertise and diligence in efforts to resuscitate Ralf.

The family also thanks the TEXOMA community for their outpouring of love and support during this most challenging time.

A celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home Chapel, 1917 Archer City Highway (Hwy 79), Wichita Falls TX 76302.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to The Miracle League Wichita Falls at: https://operations.daxko.com/online/8006/OnlineGiving/Donation.mvc?campaign_id=22060 Or if you choose, YMCA- Miracle League of Wichita Falls’, Attn: Jon Dearolf, 1010 9th St

Wichita Falls, TX 76301. Please include a note “In memory of Ralf Taylor.”