Ralph E. Broadston

Ralph Eugene Broadston, CW3, USAR, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at his home in Steele City, Nebraska.  He was born on January 20, 1936 in Washington, Kansas.  He was the youngest of ten children of Albert and Pearl Broadston.  Ralph married Jacqueline Marie Holder in August 1961.  They had four children together.  Jackie preceded Ralph in death in November 2004.  He was a long-time parishioner at Saint Matthew Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas.  He married Vonnie in November 2009.  Ralph served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force for 21 years.  He retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW3).  In civilian life, he worked as a Civil Servant for the Air Force at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas.  He earned an Associate of Arts degree from the University of Maryland.

Ralph served in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.  He served as a cryptanalyst, computer programmer, and instructor.   In 1968, he transferred to the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW3) and retired in 1975.  He served as a Division Head and instructor at the Army Security Agency Training Center and School and a cryptanalyst.  During his Civil Service career at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas from 1979 to 1993, he coordinated maintenance and logistical support for Automated Test Equipment and C-130 Hercules aircraft engines.  He concluded his career as the Project Administration Officer coordinating depot level maintenance for the C-5 Galaxy.  In 2009, Ralph moved to Steele City, Nebraska and continued serving his community as an active member and former Chair of the Village Board and as an active member of the Cemetery Board of Steele City, Nebraska.  He earned the following awards:  Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award.  He was a member of the American Legion.

Ralph was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He was a talented guitar player and singer.  He encouraged his family to be independent, pursue education, and seek fulfilling careers.  He is survived by his wife, Vonnie; daughters Sharon Hall, her husband Stewart, and Pamela; sons Robert, his wife Melissa, and Jeffrey, his partner Juliet; and granddaughter Sarah Hall.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 19, 2019 at 1:30 pm at Gerdes-Meyer Chapel in Fairbury with Lana Likens officiating.  A luncheon will be served at the Steele City Presbyterian church following the services.   The family will greet friends Thursday evening at the Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m.  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com