John Ralph Estep

John Ralph Estep, 96

John Ralph Estep, 96, of West Portsmouth, passed peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, at Hope Hospice Care Center in Cape Coral, Florida, with his daughter by his side. John was born Apr. 5, 1926, in Greenup, Kentucky, to the late Lenville Van Buren Estep and Malcina “Mallie” Adkins Estep. John was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James, William, and David, sisters Kathryn and Luella Howard, and grandchildren John and Stacey.

As a Gunner’s Mate in the US Navy Armed Guard, he earned the Victory medal and four Bronze Stars for combat during WWII. He fought in the American Pacific, European (D-Day survivor), African, and Middle East conflicts. He then re-enlisted for the Korean War. After the war, he was active in his community. He was a member of the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge #769, a 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite, Valley of Cincinnati, and Acacia Club, Member of El Hasa Shrine, Ashland, Kentucky, Past Chairman, Democratic Party of Scioto County, Ohio, Kentucky Colonels, and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion Post 23 (40 and 8).

He retired as an administrator and appraiser in real estate acquisitions from the State of Ohio’s Department of Transportation. For over 50 years, he owned John R. Estep Realty and taught real estate classes at Shawnee State University, Portsmouth Business College, and Ohio University. His true love was farming. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, friend and favorite uncle.

John is survived by his daughter Pamela Wise (Todd), and son John “Jay” Estep (Yvonne), step-children Patty and Del Hebb, grandchildren Jessica Wise Chaney (Duane), Andrea Wise Herzog (Maik), Jay (Kelsey), and Robbie Estep (Lynn), Jill Teets (Travis), Jeremy (Danielle), Jayme, Michael, Tina and Shawn Estep (Shannon), and Jason, Josh and Stephen Hebb.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday. October 29, 2022 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth. Interment will be in Scioto Burial Park will Military Graveside Rites by the James Dickey Post 23 American Legion. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 7:00 PM on Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. A Masonic Service will be held Friday evening starting at 7:00 PM by Nauvoo Masonic Lodge. In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge at 1410 7th Street, West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.

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