Ralph Weller

Ralph Frederick Weller, Jr, age 60 of Beardstown and formerly of Litchfield, died Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at St. John’s Hospital Hospice in Springfield.

He was born May 6, 1958 in Litchfield, the son of Ralph Weller, Sr. and Doris Marie Bergman Weller. He married Tina Huff Johnson on February 28, 2004.

He is survived by his wife Tina Weller of Beardstown; three sons Jason (wife Rebecca) Weller of Chatham, Joshua (wife Cara) Weller of Denver, CO, Cole Johnson of Beardstown; and a daughter Taylor Johnson of Beardstown; one grandson Gage Weller; His siblings Ronda (husband Lee) Vancil, Randy (wife Debra) Weller, Rebecca McCaully, and Bash Eccles; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ralph graduated from Litchfield High School in the Class of 1976. He worked in Information Technology for the State of Illinois for 30 years, retiring in December of 2013. He was very active and enjoyed serving in several organizations. Ralph loved riding his Harley and was a member of Harley Owners Group “HOG” in Springfield. He was President and has held every office of The American Black and Tan Coonhound Association (ABTCA). Ralph has had a Coonhound ever since he was 9, and Queen, his current Coonhound, has been a very recognized dog in the Association, and even earned many titles.

Ralph was a member of the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS). He served Master Judges, and in October of 2017, Ralph judged his 100th contest, in which he received a special award. He is also a Representative for KCBS which ensures “fair and impartial experience” throughout a KCBS contest. Ralph was very instrumental with his knowledge, and in helping, with the Beardstown Main Street “Blues Brews and Barbecue” contest. He had a great joy for each organization he participated in. Most importantly, he loved spending every minute he had with his family which included traveling with his wife and children to each of the connected 48 states.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-8 PM Saturday, September 8th, 2018 at his home, located at 21 Wildwood St., Beardstown, IL 62618. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to Ralph F. Weller, Jr. Scholarship Fund benefiting both Kansas City Barbecue Society and The American Black and Tan Coonhound Association, in care of Colwell Memorial Home, 515 S. State Street, Beardstown, or West Central Bank 122 S. State Street, Beardstown, IL 62618. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.