Dr. Ralph Book McBride, 86, North Manchester, passed away at 3 a.m. Nov. 9, 2014, in Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester.
He was born Feb. 1, 1928, in Slippery Rock, Pa., to Ralph A. and Margaret Eleanor (Book) McBride.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, New Jersey; and the University of Maryland. On Dec. 27, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Keagle. She survives. 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. 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 the 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 is survived by a daughter: Margie Miller, Warsaw; sons: R. Craig (Melanie) McBride, Fort Wayne; Timothy W. McBride, Dana Pointe, Calif.; ten grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Evy Knox, Slippery Rock, Pa.; and Jean Quinn, Elderton, Pa.; and a brother: Harold McBride, Butler,
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114 W., North Manchester, and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at First Brethren Church, 407 N. Sycamore St., North Manchester. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the church and will be officiated by Pastor Kurt Stout. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mission of Hope, Haiti, PO Box 60004, Fort Myers, FL 33906 or First Brethren Church, 407 N. Sycamore St., North Manchester, IN 46962.