Dr. Ralph Book Mcbride

Dr. Ralph Book McBride, 86, North Manchester, IN died at 3:00 a.m. November 9, 2014 in Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester, IN. He was born February 1, 1928 in Slippery Rock, PA to Ralph A. & Margaret Eleanor (Book) McBride. On December 27, 1954 he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Keagle. She survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Margie Miller, Warsaw, IN; sons, R. Craig (Melanie) McBride, Fort Wayne, IN and Timothy W. McBride, Dana Pointe, CA; ten grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, two sisters, Evy Knox, Slippery Rock, PA and Jean Quinn, Elderton, PA and a brother, Harold McBride, Butler, PA. Ralph was a Navy veteran. Dr. McBride was a professor of mathematics at Manchester College from 1965 until 1993 and was head of the department for 15 years. He graduated from Slippery Rock High School in 1945 and from Slippery Rock State Teacher's College in 1951. He received the Master's Degree from Indiana University of PA in 1965 and his PhD from the University of Michigan in 1971. He also studied at the University of Pittsburgh, Montclair State University, NJ and the University of Maryland Ralph's passion was teaching and he dedicated his life in helping to prepare teachers of mathematics at both the elementary school and high school levels. In addition to teaching, Ralph served as Faculty Athletics Representative for the college to the athletic conferences. Following his retirement, Ralph was asked to serve as secretary-treasurer for the Heartland Conference. He was on the board of directors of ARC of Wabash County, serving one term as president. In 1998 ARC honored him with their Benefactor's Award. Shortly following his retirement, Dr. McBride was asked to fill a vacated position as Town Judge and following that term he ran for and was elected for a second term. Dr. McBride was very much involved in service to his Lord Jesus Christ and the church. Prior to coming to North Manchester, he had been a deacon in the Vandergrift, PA First Baptist Church. In his years here he was a member of the First Brethren Church where he served as Deacon, Moderator, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Leader and choir member. He was a tenor and provided music for weddings, funerals, services at Timbercrest and Peabody Retirement Communities, etc. In 1997 Ralph and Joyce began to spend their winter months in a retirement community in Winter Haven, FL where he continued his love for music as a choir member and soloist. The first year there Ralph organized and led a men's Bible Study in their home, with an average attendance of 16 members which has continued 'til his death. Service for Dr. Ralph B. McBride will be Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in First Brethren Church, 407 N. Sycamore Street, North Manchester, IN. Calling will be Friday, November 14, 2014 from 2:00-4:00 & 5:00-7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN and one hour prior to services at the church Saturday. Pastor Kurt Stout will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of Ralph McBride, Memorial contributions may be made to Mission of Hope, Haiti, PO Box 60004, Fort Myers, FL 33906 or First Brethren Church, 407 N. Sycamore Street, North Manchester, IN 46962. To send a private condolence to the McBride family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.