Ralph Eglin Wafer, age 76, passed away March 21, 2024. Ralph was born October 1, 1947 in Shreveport, LA and was the oldest son of Dr. John Gill and Dorothy Eglin Wafer. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deborah, sons Matthew (Michele) and Joshua (Barbara), twin brother John, brother Thomas (Melissa) Wafer, sisters Louise (Rob) Ward, and Dorothy Thoma; sister-in-law Sandy (Rusty), granddaughters Madeleine and Sofia, and grandsons Samuel and Henry. Our dear uncle, cousin and friend.
Ralph graduated from St. Stephen’s in Austin, TX and Tulane University School of Architecture. At age 6, Ralph knew he wanted to be an architect. He and Debby married in 1972. They lived in Memphis before moving to St. Louis. Ralph loved St. Louis: its rivers, old buildings, historic parks, and baseball team. Ralph saw great potential for the city, shown by his involvement in redeveloping, rehabbing and improving homes, neighborhoods, and communities. From running his own architecture firm downtown through working as a Plan Examiner for the City of St. Louis, he enjoyed working with homeowners, developers, and builders.
He volunteered with and provided leadership to the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Boy Scouts, St. John’s United Methodist Church, Old North St. Louis, and numerous other organizations.
Ralph managed to keep a positive outlook through the brutal pain of cancer and continued to help others. He was often stopped by people who expressed their appreciation for his guidance and help in bringing their projects to fruition.
Ralph will be missed by his family, friends, co-workers and all who knew him.
Funeral Service, Tuesday, March 26, 10:30am at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman Blvd. Visitation with Ralph’s family beginning at 10:00am until time of service. Private interment. Live stream available at www.rindskopfroth.com. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Missouri Coalition for the Environment or Central Reform Congregation or any environmental cause. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at the Siteman Cancer Center for their care of Ralph and the staff at BJC Hospice for their compassion, care and support. A RINDSKOPF-ROTH SERVICE
