Ralph I. Lashley, Sr. age 99 of Carlisle, PA formerly of Wilmington, DE went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Chapel Pointe of Carlisle. He was the husband of Lillian M. (Watkins) Lashley for 57 years until her passing in 2006.
He was born in Northfield, N.J. to the late Lewis Henry and Martha (Aron) Lashley. He worked in Heating/Air Conditioning for Shellhorn & Hill for 45 years, retiring April 30, 2020 at the age of 92. Prior to that he worked as an Oil Burner Mechanic for Gulf Oil for 25 years.
Ralph was a World War II Army Veteran stationed in Germany working as a communication specialist handling Morse code. He also taught Oil Burner services week nights at DelCastle Tech for 20 years. He was never idle and always had a little screwdriver and wrench in his pocket. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix.
He was a life-long member of First Alliance Church in Wilmington/Hockessin serving as an Elder, a Board Member, and volunteering his services whenever and wherever needed. He served as President of the Alliance Men in the Christian & Missionary Alliance for the Eastern District, as well as Director of Summit Grove Camp in New Freedom, PA where he owned a cottage and spent his summers there for many, many years enlisting his expertise in electrical, plumbing, heating/air conditioning, etc.
Left to cherish his memory are his three children, Barbara Minnier (Delbert) of Newville, PA, Ralph Lashley, Jr. (Cindy) of Dover, PA, Richard Lashley (Lori) of Wilmington, DE; 7 grandchildren, Bruce Minnier, Erin South (Vincent Jr.), Justin Lashley (Jocelyn), Erica Reilly (Kevin), Troy Lashley, Damon Lashley, Sr., Crystal Mulligan (Corey); 7 great-grandchildren, Valerie and Patrick South, Ava, Brogan and Decklin Reilly, Damon Jr. and Olivia Lashley; a brother, Cecil Lashley of Wylie, Tx, a sister, Dorothy Lashley of Wooster, OH; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Swisher and Catherine Gifford and a brother, (Lewis) Stanley Lashley.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at One in Christ Community Church, 2145 Graves Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707. Officiating will be his pastor, Pastor Erick Adams. Final resting place will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park. Viewing will be prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Summit Grove Camp & Conference Center, 140 S. Front Street, New Freedom, PA 17439.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra,com
