Manchester mourns Ralph Naragon

Email sent to the Manchester University on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, by President Dave McFadden:

Dear fellow members of the Manchester community,

I am sad to share that Ralph Naragon passed away today.

We hold his family and friends in our hearts. One of his sons is faculty member Steve Naragon, and director of the physical plant, Pieter Naragon, is his grandson. We extend our condolences to them, as well as Ralph’s wife, Becky, son Dan and other family members.

He was a pillar of the North Manchester community, inviting me into and mentoring me in my own service to the community.

Ralph was a 1958 Manchester graduate in accounting and business, and he worked as business manager at the University from 1961 to 1968. He was a trustee from 1997 to 2007.

He was a partner in Gilbert, Naragon, Terrill & Co., Inc., for years, with their office on Main Street in North Manchester.

Over the years, Ralph lived the Manchester University tradition of making a difference, and it would be nearly impossible to name all of his contributions over the years.

He gave back with volunteer service to Zion Lutheran Church, North Manchester Chamber of Commerce, North Manchester Main Street, local school board, town parks and recreation, the Wabash Hospital Foundation, the county economic development board, North Manchester Community Service and the Community Foundation of Wabash County. In the 1960s, he was Indiana Jaycees state president and U.S. Jaycees national president.

He also supported, and encouraged others to support, a number of worthy causes, which led to the community swimming pool and Town Life Center, just to name a few. He chaired the University corporate and foundation gift program for the Centennial Campaign and was a member of the Tower Society. Also, he was one of 12 individuals who bought and donated the 80-acre Koinonia nature retreat to Manchester in 1961.

As of this time, I understand that services have not yet been scheduled. 

Dave McFadden
President