Ralph Wayne Sands, 87, Grandview, passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning of April 22, 2024.
Ralph was born on September 16, 1936, to Herbert (HB) and Mary Sands in Sedalia. Ralph spent his formative years growing up in Sedalia, which was also where he met his true love, Mildred.
After graduating from Smith-Cotton High School in 1954, Ralph joined the National Guard. In the summer of 1955, he and Mildred were married in Sedalia. From this union that lasted 66 years, they had 3 sons: Michael, Mark and Randy.
In the early 60’s, Ralph and his family moved from Sedalia to Grandview to start his career as a professional barber. In 1967 Ralph opened Belton Plaza Barbershop in Belton, where he cut hair until his retirement in 2017.
During his life, Ralph enjoyed many things, most of all his family. He loved to go camping, as well as fishing and hunting. He was a Chiefs season ticket holder for many, many years and also loved attending Royals games. His passion was traveling with Mildred and playing craps at the casino.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Mildred; parents, Herbert and Mary; sister, Wilma; brothers: Dale, Don and Kenneth; as well as his oldest son, Michael.
Ralph is survived by his sons, Mark Sands of Raytown and Randy Sands (Jeff) of Robbinsdale, Minn.; granddaughter, Rachel McDougal (Steve) of Grandview; grandsons, Jason Sands (Michelle) of Lenexa, Kan., and Ryan Sands (Tonya) of Buffalo, Minn.; his brother, Jerry, of Raymore, along with 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who thought the world of their Uncle Ralph.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Longview Cemetery, 12700 S.E. Raytown Road Kansas City, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you would just make a donation to your favorite casino in Ralph’s memory.