Paul "Ralph" Doke, age 85 of Curtisville and Tipton County, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2016 at Miller's Merry Manor in Tipton following an extended illness. He was born April 27, 1930, the son of Leland and Mabel (Lazarus) Doke. Ralph was a 1948 graduate of Tipton High School, and later served in the Army National Guard for 8 years. He married the love of his life, Donna "Emmagene" Carlile on November 25, 1951. Ralph was self-employed as a farmer all of his life, and also formerly worked at A.B.C. Grain Company, Prairie Farmer Insurance Company, and Perfect Circle – Dana Division. He was a member of the Curtisville Christian Church where he served as a Deacon of the church for more than 33 years. He also enjoyed reading farm magazines; watching westerns; gardening; and formerly camping with his family. He and his family have lived in the same home for over 62 years. Most importantly, Ralph loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Ralph's family includes wife of 64 years, Donna "Emmagene" Doke of Curtisville; 4 children, Bruce (wife Vicki) Doke of Kokomo, Patricia Hinshaw of Brownsburg, Penny Doke of Tipton, and Paul (wife Pam) Doke of Hobbs; sister, Mary Lee Russell of Tipton; 7 grandchildren, Scot (wife Emily) Carter, Kristi (husband Mark) Goley, Mark (wife Elena) Doke, Dawn Sharp, Noah (wife Brooke) Hinshaw, Ginger (husband Rob) Pace, and Kandi Hinshaw; 13 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nancy Watkins.

Funeral services celebrating Ralph's life and legacy will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Jim Snapp officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Tipton. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Curtisville Christian Church through the funeral home. Online condolences to the Doke family may be made at copherfeslermay.com.