Obituary of Ralph H. Von Derau

Ralph H. Von Derau, 78, husband of Shirley Powell Von Derau, passed away May 26, 2023, peacefully at his home in Nicholasville, KY. Ralph was born September 1, 1944, in Pineville, KY to Ralph C. and Drucilla Bond Von Derau of Barbourville, KY.

Ralph was a graduate of Knox Central High School, Union College and University of Kentucky Law School. Ralph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.

In addition to his wife, Ralph is survived by his sister, Denise (Billy) Fortney Crawford of Barbourville, KY, sisters-in-law, Tini Powell McBride of Nicholasville, KY, KC Von Derau of Burke, VA, Mary Ann Castro of Punta Gorda, FL, brothers-in-law: James E. (Betty) Powell of Lexington, KY, Terry Wayne (Linda) Powell of North Port, FL, nieces and nephews, David (Paula) Von Derau, Julie (Luis) Fleites, Michael (Monica) Crawford, Chad (Amanda) Crawford, Mac Jacob (Jana) McBride, and Jason (Krissa) Powell, great nieces and nephews, Eli Von Derau, Olivia Von Derau, Carson Von Derau, Diego Fleites, Sofia Fleites, Katie Jo Crawford, Harley Crawford, Aydin McBride, Arabella (Ella) McBride, Adalyn (Addy) McBride, Makenna Powell, Keegan Powell, Maya Powell, Mateo Powell, Isabella Powell, Amelia Powell, great grandnephew, Thomas James Powell and extended family member, Jacob Wayne Adkins, whom he loved like a son.

Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Drucilla Fortney, stepfather, Marcellus Fortney, his father, Ralph C. Von Derau, his brother, Jerry Von Derau, grandparents, very special uncles, Junior Bond and Novel Bond and a very special aunt, Katherine Bond and many other precious family members.

Memorial service for Ralph H. Von Derau will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 1pm, at the Highland Park Baptist Church in Heidrick, KY. Visitation will be held at 12pm until the time of service at 1pm. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held immediately after the service at the Highland Park Recreational Center. The burial will be held at a later date in Blevins Cemetery with full military honors.