Ralph Stapper

Ralph Stapper, 88, born on May 27, 1936, on the family ranch in Smithson Valley, Comal County, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025 in Ozona, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Ophelia Stapper, and his brother, Leroy Stapper (Annie). 

Ralph attended the one-room Smithson Valley School for two years, then Sherwood School from 1944 to 1952 when he completed the 10th grade. Sherwood school did not offer 11th or 12th grades so he went to work for Doeppenschmidt Ranch in 1952 and began a lifelong career of ranching. When his sons became old enough, he began custom ranch work with his crew. They built fences, hauled hay, and sheared sheep and goats around the county. He managed the family ranch, and in 1986 he formed the Stapper Ranch Partnership with his three sons which is still in place today. Through his good stewardship in managing native rangeland, he was awarded the Excellence in Grazing Management Award from the Texas Society for Range Management. He was quite proud of his three sons, all of whom graduated from Texas A&M University with degrees in Agriculture. 

In 1960, he married Margaret Scheel, with whom he shared almost 65 wonderful years of marriage. 

A dedicated community member, Ralph served in the National Guard for 12 years and contributed significantly to local organizations. He served on the Comal ISD School Board for 12 years and was deeply involved with the Comal County Junior Livestock Show and Comal County 4-H Adult Leader Association. He served on the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee, along with the Rural Community Development Council. He was also a member of Texas Farm Bureau, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and a lifetime director of the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association. In addition, he served as a member of the Spring Branch and Ft. McKavett Volunteer Fire Departments. Alongside Margaret, he managed the Sherwood 4-H Club for many years and was honored with a State 4-H Volunteer Leader Award for his service in 1983. 

Ralph was also a devout Catholic and active member of his church communities. At St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Honey Creek, he served on the Parish Council, Finance Committee, member of St. John’s Men’s Society, and as a Eucharistic Minister. Later, after selling the family ranch in 2003 due to urbanization in Comal County, Ralph moved west to continue his ranching legacy in Schleicher County. There, he became an active member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Junction, again serving on the Parish Council, Finance Committee and as a Eucharistic Minister. 

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife Margaret; three sons, Jeffrey (Veronica), Reginald (Becky), and Carlon (Ann); nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. 

Ralph’s life was marked by dedication to his family, faith and community. His legacy will live on through those who knew and loved him. May his memory bring comfort to all who were touched by his life. 

Ralph’s funeral services are Thursday, February 6, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ozona with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the cemetery at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Honey Creek. 

Special thanks to the employees of Crockett County Care Center and Interim Hospice, for the loving and comforting care of Ralph during his last years. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a memorial donation to your favorite charity in his name.