Ralph Everett Schellhamer Jr.

Ralph Everett Schellhamer Jr., Emporia, Kansas, died September 14, 2025, at Newman Regional Health in Emporia, Kansas. He was 88 years old.

Ralph was born on December 25, 1936, in Wilroads Gardens, Kansas, the son of Ralph Everett and Vera (Preston) Schellhamer. He married Mary Birk in Emporia, Kansas, on April 14, 1960. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include son Steven Schellhamer, Emporia, Kansas; daughters Jan Cisneros, Emporia, Kansas; Melisa Schellhamer, Topeka, Kansas; sister Madine Defoor, Emporia, Kansas; grandchildren Laura Garza, Isiah Barr, Sophia Schellhamer, Molly Schellhamer; and great-grandchildren Marco D. Garza and Xaiden Garcia.

He is preceded in death by his grandson Marco A. Garza, great-granddaughter Maria Ramirez, and his parents and grandparents.

Ralph earned a bachelor's degree in education and dedicated 56 years to his work as a general contractor, owning and operating Schellhamer Builders until his retirement in 2020. He was a long-standing member of the Lyon County Fair Board and devoted many years to supporting local 4-H programs. Ralph and Mary were also longtime members of the Bluestem Swingers Square Dance Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lyon County Fair Board and can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.

The family kindly requests casual dress for those attending services.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1101 Neosho, Emporia, Kansas, 66801. The family will receive friends and family Thursday, September 18, 2025, evening from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, 605 State Street, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.