Ralph E. Breeden, Sr.

Ralph E. Breeden Sr., husband, father of six, combat veteran of WWII, veteran of the Korean War, navigator, aerobatics stunt pilot, fisherman, guitarist, mechanic extraordinaire and American patriot passed from this world on Oct. 24th, 2018 at the age of 92. Born in Leavenworth IN. on June 11th, 1926, he spent his childhood in Newburgh, IN. In 1943 at age 17 he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Navy. He served as a gunner in the U.S. Naval Armed Guard escorting Liberty ships in the north Atlantic and elsewhere. Among his assignments were the Murmansk Run to Russia and the invasion of Normandy, France at Omaha Beach. He was slightly wounded during combat. He was in the Pacific Ocean in route to Japan when the surrender was announced. He reenlisted with the U.S Air Force during the Korean War and worked as a lead aviation mechanic. His total military service was seven years. Ralph was awarded four service ribbons: the American Theatre Campaign, European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, and the Victory Medal WWII. He also received the Diploma of Appreciation from France. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW and served as Commander of the American Legion Kapperman Post 44 in Newburgh, IN. as well as Commander of American Legion NO-VEL Post 159 in Venice, FL. He moved to Venice in 1955. He and his wife of 57 years, Irene "Reni" Breeden owned and operated B&W Auto Repair in Venice for 30 years. He is survived by his wife, Reni Breeden, a brother Clyde (Georgia) Breeden of Newburgh, IN., six children, 5 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. His children are, by seniority, Linda Martin of Dunedin, FL., Lana (John) Bilchak of Tierra Verde, FL., Ralph (Phyllis) Breeden Jr. of Nokomis, FL., Sharon Crimi of Grants Pass, OR., Robert Breeden of Venice, FL., and Richard "Ric" Breeden of Venice, FL. He was predeceased by a sister, a brother, a grandson, a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law.Ralph will be laid to rest Wednesday, December 5, 2018 1:00 PM at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 - State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Legion Post #159, 1770 East Venice Avenue, Venice, Florida 34292.

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Ralph E. Breeden, Sr.

June 11, 1926 - October 24, 2018