Ralph Edward Barnwell Jr., of New Madrid, passed away September 16, 2020 at the family home.

Born November 3, 1947 to Ralph and Dorothy Deevers Barnwell of New Madrid, Mo., Ralph was a 1965 graduate of New Madrid High School and a 1970, 1973 and 1988 graduate of Murray State University where he was a proud member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He also served in the Army National Guard from 1969 to 1976.

On Dec. 27, 1975 he married Anna Kathryn Boyer who preceded him in death in 2016.

After graduation, Ralph began a 30-year teaching career with the New Madrid County School District including 10 years as a teacher and 20 years as an elementary school principal at Parma Elementary and Lilbourn Elementary. Following his retirement, he spent 20 years serving on the New Madrid County R-1 School Board.

Born and raised in New Madrid County, Ralph loved his community and was a member of numerous professional, civic, and community organizations including the SEMO Health Network Executive Board, the New Madrid County Sheriff's ALERT Team, Vice-President of the New Madrid United Methodist Church Men's Association, the New Madrid Country Club, and many more.

He was the longest serving Deputy Corner in the state of Missouri, served as the New Madrid County 911 Director for 20 years and was a reserve New Madrid County Sheriff's Deputy since 1969.  He was also a lifelong member of the Missouri State Highway MASTERS program.

In addition to his love for New Madrid, Ralph also had a deep love for Murray State University calling it the area's "best kept secret." He was an athletics season ticket holder for 17 seasons, served on the Board of Governors for the Murray State Alumni Association from 2018 until 2020 and spent many weekends enjoying the campus and the lakes area.

On January 1, 1974, Ralph was one of two men who made the first ambulance run in New Madrid County. He continued to serve the district for 42 years as an EMT and later as the District Administrator. In 2015, he was elected to the New Madrid County Ambulance District Board and was currently serving as the Board President.

He loved his family, anything pertaining to law enforcement, spending time telling stories – new and old – with the backyard coffee crew and road trips in his beloved Jeeps.

He is survived by his daughter Jamie (Kent) Phillips of Cape Girardeau; one sister, Anna (David) Pounds of New Madrid; one cousin, Jim (Becky Sue) Mills of New Madrid; two nieces, Carrie (Matt) Romines of Jonesboro, Ark., and Elizabeth (Wesley) Hodges of New Madrid, as well as two great nieces, Lillian Romines and Emily Katherine Hodges, one great nephew Colten Romines and many special lifelong friends.

Visitation will be held at Richards Funeral Home on Friday, September 18 from 3 to 8 pm. The funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church in New Madrid on Saturday, September 19 at 10 am.

Additional time has been allocated to the visitation to accommodate social distancing due to COVID-19. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks for the safety of all in attendance.

Rev. GL Keene and #### Terry ##### will officiate. Pallbearers will be Zach Treece, TJ Sides, Dylan DeJournett, Joey Higgerson, Darren Jones and Brandon Hanner. Honorary pallbearers will be the New Madrid County R-I School Board and Superintendent.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eagle Closet at New Madrid County Central by dropping off backpacks

filled with clothes, school supplies or non-perishable food to Richards Funeral Home or mailing monetary donations to New Madrid County Central District Office, 310 US Hwy 61, New Madrid, MO 63869. Please designate the donation is for the Eagle Closet in memory of Ralph Barnwell.