Ralph Robert Thater

Ralph Robert Thater, 91, of Jefferson City, died Friday, January 2, 2015, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on June 1, 1923 in Washington, Mo., son of the late Leo L. and Hilda Marie (Offerjost) Thater. He was united in marriage on June 30, 1984 in Jefferson City to Mary Alice Menges Beck, who survives at their home. Bob graduated from the University of Missouri - Rolla School of Mines and Metallurgy. He served during World War II and the Korean Conflict in the United States Naval Construction Battalion (CB) and retired as Lt. Col. from the Army Reserves. Bob retired as a field engineer from the Missouri Department of Transportation after 30 years. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, past board member of Resurrection Cemetery, Mo. Fraternal Alliance, American Legion Post 5, China Burma India Veterans Association, Holy Name Society, Catholic Financial Life, Mended Hearts and proudly participated in a 2009 Honor Flight. Along with his wife, Mary Alice, he is survived by children: David Thater (Shareen) of Springfield, Gary Thater (Val) of Clever, Denise Hillman (Bob) of Jefferson City, Debora Downing (Josh) of Jefferson City, Rhonda Reynolds (Travis) of Jefferson City, Daniel Beck (Buffye) of St. Robert, and Lonnie Beck (Pam) of Jefferson City; brother: Lee Thater (Lois) of Union; grandchildren: Daniel Thater, Emily Thater, Ryan Thater, Kayla Robison (Charlie), Gracie Hillman, Ronnie Hillman, Lindsey Reynolds, Miranda Reynolds, Samantha Reynolds, Nicholas Stover, Christopher Stover and Audrey Beck. He was preceded in death by his sister: Ruth Scherer; brothers: Walter Thater, Roy Thater, and John Thater; and grandson: Jacob Reynolds. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at Houser-Millard Funeral Home with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2015, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Msgr. Greg Higley officiating. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Mausoleum. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Central Missouri Honor Flight Program. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com