Ralph was born in Indianapolis to Joseph and Exie (nee Harris) Shannon on January 13, 1946. He went to Manual High School before enlisting in the US Marine Corp and serving as a cook in the Vietnam Conflict. While overseas, Ralph was honored with the title of “Donut King of Da nang” as he fearlessly created the tasty treats for his fellow Marines. Upon returning to the states, Ralph had a decorated 30+ year career as an inspector for Indianapolis Water, served as a training enemy combatant on Camp Atterbury and performed in several local shows and plays. His hobbies included cabinet making, racquetball, golfing and bowling in a local league. Ralph was a dedicated man of the lord and member of Stone’s Crossing Church.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Exie and his two brothers Eugene and William and his sister Nancy. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Sally Shannon, his children Renea Harrington, Patrick Shannon, Whitney Shannon and their spouses, Ron Harrington and Michelle Caraballo Shannon; his grandchildren Sarah Shannon, Anthony Shannon, Patrick Shannon, Brenna Shannon, Caia Caraballo Shannon, Taylor Johnson and Lindsey Schiefelbein; and his great-grandchildren Caiden Reese, Charlotte Johnson, and Luna Snow.
Funeral services will be held from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, January 14, 2023 in Remembrance Hall at Crown Hill Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Luck of Stone’s Crossing Church officiating. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Ralph’s name to Helping Hands for Freedom, a non-profit founded by his son Patrick Shannon that supports the families of the fallen, wounded and deployed service members at www.helpinghandsforfreedom.org
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.14.0