Ralph Lawrence Tornes Jr.

Ralph Lawrence Tornes Jr., 90, of Waterford, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. He was born on November 13, 1933 in Waterford, Ohio, son of the late Ralph and Ida (Bauerbach) Tornes.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Frances Jean (Becker) Tornes, whom he married on October 3, 1957.  They have 6 children, Mike (Rhonda) Tornes of Simpson PA, Phyllis (Denny) Reynolds of Vincent OH, Joanne (Chuck) Ciuni of Miromar Lakes FL, Steve (Melinda) Tornes of Waterford OH, Cynthia (Chuck) Hall of Marietta OH, and Stephanie (Dana) Burt of Stockport OH.  There are 23 grandchildren 46 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his siblings Philomena (Bernard deceased) Pottmeyer, Larry (Anna deceased) Tornes, David (Marlene) Tornes, and Robert (Sandy) Tornes. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ralph Jr. was a graduate of Waterford High School, class of 1953, and served in the US Army   in Germany from 1954 until 1956. He had worked at Marietta Concrete before his service and later worked at Ohio Power Company for 36 ½ years before retiring in 1994.  Finally, he farmed with his son Steve after retiring. 

He was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church which he helped build and Waterford Grange #231.

Ralph Jr. was a beloved and wonderful dad, husband, and grandfather, and he never knew a stranger.  He loved farming, camping, traveling, the beach, raising beagle dogs, hiking, playing cards, storytelling, and square dancing, where he met his wife. He enjoyed helping his wife make cookies, cakes, and noodles, which unfortunately means there were dishes to be washed and cookies to be mixed for which he was volunteered. While hiking in Hocking Hills, he was always eager to find a Jack in the Pulpit.  

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, March 11, 2024 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Beverly, with Father Tim Kozak and Father Dale Tornes officiating. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Sunday at McCurdy Funeral Home in Beverly, where a grange service will be held at 3:45 pm and a Rosary service will be held at 7:30 pm. The burial will be in the St. Bernard Cemetery with Military services at the grave.

Donations can be made to Beverly Waterford Squad at PO Box 146, Waterford OH 45786 or the Waterford Grange at 6320 State Route 676, Stockport OH 43787 and online condolences may be made by visiting www.mccurdyfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph Lawrence Tornes Jr., please visit our floral store.