Ralph Norman Menetre Jr.

Ralph Norman Menetre, Jr. passed away on August 31, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family. A native and lifelong resident of Covington, he was born May 28, 1928 to the late Ralph Norman and Lucy Welsh Texada Menetre. Ralph was preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart, Winifred Cochran Heintz. They were married for 70 years. He is also survived by his three children; Ralph "Sandy" Menetre, III (Vicki), Melinda Weissmann (Bob), and Lisa Myers (Bob). Ralph was blessed with 9 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Will, and beautiful great granddaughters, Sabian and Lucy. Along with his own, many just called him PePaw. Ralph graduated from Lyon High in 1944. He was a star athlete, playing both football and basketball. From there he received a football scholarship and played and lettered for the LSU Tigers. After graduating from LSU, he provided service to the community for a span of over 40 years to the St. Tammany Parish Public School system as a Coach, teacher, principal, supervisor, and Assistant Superintendent. Throughout the years, he volunteered countless hours in support of athletics at Covington High. In 1957, he became known as “the Voice of the Lions” for 40 years. He was instrumental with the successful construction of the Centennial Bell Tower that proudly stands at the entrance of Covington High School. Ralph's faith and devotion to the church was his foundation. He was a life-long member of Christ Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was a licensed Eucharistic Minister. One of his greatest joys was the formation of the Chapel Garden. He made it his mission to take care of the gardens around the Chapel. He spent countless hours in the Memorial Garden adding beauty and providing a peaceful final resting place. He also was an original board member of Christwood Retirement Center. His leadership skills were evident having been involved with numerous community and civic organizations in the Covington area. He served as chairman of the board for Hospice of St. Tammany, was a direct care volunteer, and received the “Angels Among Us Award”. He also served on the Covington Heritage Foundation. Working on the Veteran's Memorial Day reception was an honor for him. He earned the YMCA “Hero Award”, “Service Before Self Award", and the City of Covington “Exceptional Community Service Award" for his selflessness to the community. He was a past member of the Lion's Club. This past year he was honored to be the Grand Marshall for the Covington Lion's Club Mardi Gras Parade. He was loved and adored by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great- great grandchildren and the many, many friends who knew him. He never met a stranger. His greatest joy in life was being with his family. He loved to hunt, play golf, travel, read, dance, and watch the LSU fighting tigers with his family. Services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire, Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, September 10, 2022. Visitation will be in Holzhalb Hall from 11:30 PM until service time at 2:00 p.m. His wishes were for his ashes to be spread in the Memorial Garden at Christ Episcopal Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ralph's name to the Chapel Garden at Christ Episcopal Church. The family would like to thank Angel's Wing's Heavenly Sitting and the staff of St. Tammany Parish Hospice for their care of Dad. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home locally owned and operated, (985) 892-9222 has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Menetre family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Ralph Norman Menetre Jr.

May 28, 1928 - August 31, 2022