Ralph Edmond Mueller

Ralph Edmond Mueller, affectionately known as "Old Fart" and "Pops," peacefully passed away at his home in Ocklawaha, Florida, on November 22, 2024. Born on March 3, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, Ralph was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his daughters, Donna of Florida and Dorothy of Connecticut, son-in-law Phillip G. Bradford, and granddaughter Victoria Paula Mueller Bradford. He was preceded in death by his wife Vivian, former wife Mildred, brother Paul, and parents Paul and Elfriede.

Ralph graduated from Lincoln High School and served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1952 to 1960. Following his military service, he became an exceptional airplane mechanic, working for Pan American Airlines and later British Airways at JFK Airport until his retirement in the mid-to-late 1980s.

A man of many talents, Ralph was a self-taught carpenter, electrician, artisan, and master craftsman. He was also an experienced boatsman, sailor, and a consummate "Old Salt" whose lifelong connection to the sea enhanced his ability to navigate life's journeys with wisdom and resilience. This love for the ocean led him to rebuild a 1928 Coast Guard Cutter, the "Tusitala" (storyteller in Fiji), which he sailed solo from Brooklyn to Florida in 1996. After selling the boat, he found purpose and connection in volunteering at the Marion County Veteran's Memorial Park in Ocala, sharing his passion for history, service to his country, and inspiring future generations.

Ralph was a cherished member of the Cowboy Church in Ocala, where he played his harmonica, "Otis," bringing joy to many. His daughter Donna moved from Las Vegas to be with him and care for him eight years ago. Together, they attended church and his favorite restaurant, Bob Evans, regularly.

Ralph's legacy of kindness, humbleness, strength, resilience, and generosity will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ocala/Marion Veterans Memorial Park or The Cowboy Church in Ocala.

Services will be held at Hiers-Baxley, Ocala, Florida, with visitation from 12:00-1:00 pm on Saturday, December 21, 2024 followed by a service from 1:00-2:00 pm. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park in Ocala.