Ralph Elwain Wait

Ralph Elwain Wait, 81 of Holden, Missouri passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Jefferson Healthcare in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Ralph was born December 10, 1943 in Monroe, Louisiana, son of Gordon Lee and Lena (Tousa) Wait.

Ralph was raised in Macon, Georgia until age 12, at which time, moving with family to Kansas City, Kansas. After graduating from Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, he served in the United States Navy.

Ralph was united in marriage to Patricia Ann McMillen on June 24, 1967 in Kansas City, Missouri. The couple resided in Kansas City, Kansas briefly, Kansas City, Missouri from 1971 to 1988, Louisville, Kentucky from 1988 to 2014, and in Holden, since 2014.

Ralph was an avid football fan. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling, cards, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Holden, as well as being known as “Papa Monster” to his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; three children: Christopher Michael Wait (Shelly) of Bates City, MO; Andrea Joy Martin of Garden City, MO and James Dennis Wait (Valerie) of Louisville, KY; daughter-in-law: Tina Wait of Kansas City, MO; Fr. Dennis Wait of Overland Park, KS; Eleven grandchildren: Brandon, Brian, Christina and Priscilla; Vincent, Logan, Amanda and Kyle; Ashlyn, Annabelle and Alexa; and seven great grandchildren: Bently, Keegan, Carter, Victoria, Deliliah, Corbyn and Maverick. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gordon “Sonny” Wait.

Memorial services were held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden with Fr. Dennis Wait and Chaplain Harlan Harper officiating.

Interment followed at the Medford Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard, Monday-Hancock #90 of the American Legion, and VFW Post #5844.