Calvin A. Ralston, Jr.

Calvin A. Ralston, 88, of Bremen, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 23 at 3:20 pm. Calvin was born on May 3, 1927 in Redkey, IN. He graduated from Muncie High School in 1945, then joined the Army Air Corps. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he married Marilyn Sanderson on February 22, 1947. He lived in the South Bend/Mishawaka area from 1947 to 1967 working as a tool and die maker. In 1967 he moved to Bremen and began a long career as a farmer. Over the years he was active in the community, including serving as a member/former president of the Bremen School Board. He was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Bremen, Marshall County Farm Bureau, Marshall County Soil and Water Board, Civil War Round Table and was a past president of the Bremen Kiwanis Club. He particularly enjoyed driving and showing his 1926 model T pick-up truck, participating in many local parades and competitions. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marilyn Ralston of Bremen. He is also survived by four children, William (Terry) Ralston, Diane (Marvin) Houin, Debra (Rodney) McClain, MD and Sarah (Tom) Thomas; nine grandchildren, Charles (Betsy) Houin, Benjamin Houin, Mary Houin, Nicholas McClain, Karen (Norman) Messer, Daniel McClain, Kathryn McClain, Michael Thomas, Abigail Thomas; three great-grandchildren, Matthew Houin, Marcus Houin, Chase Messer; and one nephew, John (Donna) Hudson. He was preceded in death by one sister, Phama Hudson. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 pm, Thursday, April 28, 2016 in Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 St. Rd. 331, Bremen. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, April 29, 2016 in First United Church of Christ, 323 S. Center St., Bremen with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow in Bremen Cemetery. The family would like to express thanks to Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care during Calvin’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First United Church of Christ, Bremen or Heartland Hospice.