BENTON - Ralph Edward Bozarth, 87, passed away Friday, March 26, 2010, in Franklin Hospital in Benton. Mr. Bozarth was born June 28, 1922, in Thompsonville, the son of Peter Eligah and Angie Eason Bozarth. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European theater as a field artillery gunnery sergeant. Beginning with the Normandy Landing, he was awarded five battle stars, one for all five major European battles of the war. He was also awarded three Silver stars and one Bronze star with Oak Clusters, awarded to him personally by Gen. Omar Bradley. Upon completion of his military duty, Mr. Bozarth returned to Franklin County, where he was reintroduced to the daughter of his rural grade teacher. Ralph and Ramona Hall were married April 27, 1946, in McLeansboro, the beginning of a 59-year union. Ralph, a lifelong Baptist, retired in 1987 after 33 years of service to the Southern Baptist Organization. He served as farm manager for Baptist Children's Home in Carmi and 16 years overseeing maintenance and procurement at the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home in Monroe, La. During his time at Carmi, Ralph became recognized as an instinctive and innovative farmer, helping to introduce the Canadian/European Landrace pig breed into America. He was also instrumental in conjunction with seed producers and farm equipment companies in introducing the now commonplace practice of 'no-till' crop production. He was recognized as an authority on the procedure, participating in seminars and meetings across the eastern United States. Ralph was a proud and loyal veteran and citizen, always proud to tell anyone of his service and America's contribution to victory in WWII. He was a lifetime member of local VFW and American Legion Posts. He flew the American flag in his yard until the very end, zealously guarding the display and condition of the flag. He is survived by is wife, Ella Mae; sister, Shirley Bozarth Harvey of Effingham; son and daughter-in-law, R. Duane and Norma Jean Bozarth of Longview, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Alan Hughes of Overland Park, Kan.; and son, Bradley Eligah Bozarth of Kansas City, Kan. Ralph is also survived by six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Mr. Bozarth was preceded in death by his mother and father; a sister, Pauline Bozarth Thomas and his wife, Ramona, who died Dec. 2, 2005. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2010, in Sloan Funeral Home in Galatia, with Dr. Gladys Herzog officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Pleasant Valley Cemetery.