Mr. Ralph Gilbert Countryman, 83, of Stronghurst, IL passed away at 7:25 PM Saturday, May 27, 2017 at his home.

He was born on January 22, 1934 in Wilmington, IL the son of Paul and Margret Calhoun Countryman. On November 17, 1954 he married Mary Lue Williams in Joliet, IL. They later divorced.

Ralph served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was later honorably discharged. He was very proud of the time he served in Korea. In 1970 he married Lucy Bean in Joliet, IL. They later divorced.

Ralph first worked for Uniroyal in Elwood, IL. He then went to work for Haliburton Co. in Houston, TX for over 20 years, retiring in 1998. Upon retirement he moved to LaHarpe, IL. He was an avid White Sox fan, enjoyed golfing as well as playing Dice and Dominos. He had a soft spot in his heart for children.

Survivors include six children, Ralph (Fran) Countryman of Wilmington, IL, Wade (Pam) Countryman of Oquawka, IL, Debbie Peterson of Stronghurst, Roger (Jackie) Countryman of Stronghurst, Candy Countryman of Houston, TX, and Shelly Fye of Texas, 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, five brothers, Paul, Chuck, Floyd, Walter, Hank and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Randy Countryman, five brothers, Clarence, Robert, Tom, Calven, Ed, one sister, Arlene Greer, two daughter-in-laws, Luann and Janice, and one son-in-law, Jeff Peterson.

A funeral service, with military rites, will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Banks and Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, IL with Aaron Baker Officiating. A visitation will be held from Noon Wednesday until the time of Service. Burial will be held at a later date in the Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington, IL. A memorial fund has been established for The Ronald McDonald House.