Ralph Mangum Obituary

Ralph L. Mangum
February 4, 1944 - May 24, 2014

Ralph Leslie Mangum, 70, of Delta, died Saturday, May 24th, 2014.
A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 28th, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Delta. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 29th, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Delta.
He was born to the late L.T. and Margaret Mangum on February 4, 1944, in McAllen, Texas. Ralph graduated from Delta High School in 1962. He was an all-state football selection and a proud member of the 1960 Delta High School state champion football team. He earned his BA in Business Administration and Social Science from the Colorado State College (now UNC) in 1965. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Alexander, on June 8th, 1963. They had a blessed marriage of 51 years.
Ralph was a John Deere dealer. After graduating college, he worked for Deere & Company for five years traveling as a territory manager in eastern Colorado. In 1971, he joined his father's business, Delta Implement Company. Ralph and Pat purchased the business in 1973, and together built the farm equipment dealership to include three locations. He enjoyed his relationships with his dedicated employees and the many fine farmers and ranchers in the area. He and Pat retired in the fall of 2010.
Ralph loved his community and was always involved in helping people when he could. He served on the Chamber of Commerce board of directors, was a board member of the Colorado Bank and Trust for many years, and was elected to two terms on the hospital board. He was a generous supporter of the Delta County Fair and many local causes. Ralph was an active member of St. Michael's Church.
Ralph is survived by the love of his life, Pat. He is also survived by his daughter, Gina, her husband, Carl and granddaughters, Julie and Sami Cassel, all of Delta; his sister-in-law, Gean, her husband, Dud of Eckert; nieces and nephews, Mike, his wife, Michelle Davis; Teri, her husband, Bill Palmer; Dudley Davis, and Debbie, Tricia, her husband, Mark Starr, all of Delta, and Vanir Stevens of Washington state. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betsy and brother, David.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Michael's Catholic Church or the Delta Food Pantry.
Ralph loved his family and his friends. He truly lived a wonderful life and leaves a legacy of humor and kindness for us to remember.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.
View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylorfuneralservice.com.