Owned the Nixa Dairy Queen from 1960-1979 Ralph E. Siler, 86, of Nixa, passed away Monday, Dec. 11, 2006. He was born April 19, 1920, in Brown Branch, the son of Jesse W. and Eulah (Taber) Siler. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. On Feb. 21, 1942, he and Maxine J. Hires were united in marriage.
Mr. Siler owned and operated the Nixa Dairy Queen from 1960 until 1979. He previously operated a country store in Douglas County, south of Ava.
Mr. Siler was a member of Nixa Christian Church where he served as an elder and was board vice chairman. He served on the Nixa Electrical Board, and was a member of the Nixa Lions Club and Nixa American Legion. He loved to garden and share the harvest.
Survivors include his wife, Maxine; two sons and their wives, James E. and Jeana Siler, Nixa, and Joseph R. and Debbie Siler, Springfield; four grandchildren, Sandy Siler, Emily Crouse and husband, Matt, Jake Siler, and Josh Siler; two brothers, Claude Siler, Washington, D.C., and Bob Siler, Ava; a sister, Ora Schmitt, Beaufort, S.C.; nieces and nephews.
His parents and a brother, Billie Siler, preceded him in death.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m Thursday, Dec. 14, in Nixa Christian Church. Burial followed in Hazelwood Cemetery, Springfield, with military honors. Visitation was Wednesday at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Nixa Christian Church building fund.
