Ralph Portlock (83) of Newton

Ralph Don Portlock age 83, of Newton passed away Sunday, January 30, 2022, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, Mattoon, Illinois.

Funeral services celebrating Ralph’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2022 at the Crain Funeral Home, Newton, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, February 6, in the funeral home. Masonic rites will be offered at 7:00 p.m. by Newton Lodge No. 216 A.F. & A.M. Burial will be in West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Newton, Illinois. With respect to Covid-19, the wearing of face coverings and social distancing is requested by the family.

Ralph was born on August 11, 1938, in Newton, Illinois the son of Ralph Wallace and Opal Marie (Boxley) Portlock. Ralph graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1956. Following graduation, Ralph owned and operated the Portlock & McCall Shell full service gas station with fellow classmate, Kenny McCall. On September 28, 1957, Ralph married Wanda Marie Kerner in the Newton Christian Church.   She survives.   In 1959, Ralph started work for Newton Auto Parts. He served as a route sales representative, counter sales and later store manager until his retirement. In his free time, he and long-time friend Max Short operated a motorcycle refurbishing business.   Ralph was an associate of the Crain Funeral Home, serving as funeral assistant.

He was a faithful member of the Newton Christian Church. In addition to church, Ralph was a member of Newton Lodge No. 216, Newton Chapter No. 497 Order of the Eastern Star, Danville AASR, Ainad Shrine, Housing Authority Board, and former Jaycees. He faithfully served the Masonic Fraternity as master and secretary of Newton Lodge and as District Deputy Grand Master. Through his service as District Deputy, Ralph was award honorary membership in many of the area Masonic lodges. He was honored to be named the 2007 Mason of Year for his exemplary service.

In his free time, Ralph loved spending time with Miss P., his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Time spent with Ralph always included lots of stories, many laughs, and a warm, genuine smile. He enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, riding motor cycles and snow mobiles and hunting mushrooms. He was known for his large garden and well maintained cars. He liked to read western novels, watch movies and enjoyed photography. He also enjoyed genealogy research and being a contributor to the Find-A-Grave website.

Ralph will be loved and remembered by his wife of sixty-four years, Wanda Portlock of Newton; daughters Bonnie (Richard) Ring of Shelbyville, IN and Jill (Jeff) Long of Newton; four grandchildren Jason (Melissa) Rauch and Joleen (Pat) Lancaster both of Shelbyville, IN; Jessica (Andy) Miller of Newton and Jenalee Long of Noble; great-grandchildren Wyatt Lancaster, Waylon Lancaster, Jaelynn Taylor, Brantley Miller, Jack Rauch, and a new great grandchild due to arrive in March; step-great grandchildren Wyatt Higdon and Norah Higdon; and sister Becky (Mike) Springston of Sparta, Illinois.

His parents and several aunt and uncles preceded him in death.

Memorial gifts in honor of Ralph may be given to either the Shriners Children’s Hospital or to the Masonic Charities.

Online condolences may be offered by clicking here.