Ralph E. Mullins 98, Rochester, passed away at 9:17 P.M. Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at his residence.
Ralph was born January 19, 1925 in Marshtown, Indiana, the son of Charles and Ida (Evans) Mullins. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942, serving as a member of the Underwater Demolition Team 18 during World War II. Ralph was awarded the Asiatic Pacific 1 Bronze Star, Victory Medal WW II and was authorized to wear the Combat “V” for his heroic service participating in pre-assault operations against enemy Japanese-held beaches at Balikpapan, Southeast Borneo in late June, 1945. On December 22, 1945, in San Diego, California, he married Mildred Gunter. She preceded him in death on May 1, 2012.
Ralph owned and operated Mullins Home Service, in Fulton, working as an electrician and in appliance repair and sales. He also worked in construction for many years. He served as a volunteer fireman and Fire Chief for the Fulton- Liberty Township Fire Department, as well as serving as Scoutmaster in the local Boy Scouts, mentoring many young men in the community. Ralph had been a dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge for over sixty years, holding the position of Worshipful Master. He also held membership in the Scottish Rite, the American Legion for over fifty- five years and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. Ralph earned his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying his small aircraft along with his ultralight. He had also served as a flight instructor in his earlier years. Mostly self-taught, and always learning, Ralph was a musician, photographer, mechanical engineer, genealogist, computer specialist, and editor of a newsletter to fellow UDT members, of which he was the last.
Survivors include his daughters, Judy Hughes, Rochester, Indiana, Linda (Tom) Hardin, Greenwood, Indiana, Donna (Charles) Smith, Macy, Indiana, Susan Mullins, Noblesville, Indiana, sons, Ron, (Deb) Mullins, Chandler, Arizona, Al (Jan) Mullins, Chandler Heights, Arizona, twelve grandchildren, several great grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, a sister, Darla Jean Caldwell, Deer Creek, Minnesota, several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were sisters, Verna Huegel, Bessie Bain, Esther Bixler, Zora Lee Conner, Mary Collins, Luella Mullins, brother, LeRoy Mullins, granddaughters, Jen Mullins and Konya Mullins, son- in- laws, Don Hughes and Bob Minthorn.
Funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 A.M., Monday, June 19, 2023, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Friends may visit from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Sunday, June 18, 2023 and one hour prior to service Monday at the Funeral Home.
Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana, where military graveside services will be conducted by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Historical Society. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com
