“SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY,  NOT A DESTINATION”

Ralph Biggs
October 20, 1935 – March 14, 2009

Ralph E. Biggs, 73, of rural Decatur passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 3:40 a.m. at Parkview Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 20, 1935 in Vincennes, Indiana to Emmett and Helen (Keller) Biggs. He married Jeannie L. (Smith) on October 7, 1967, she passed away in 1997. He married Christine R. (Rourke) on January 20, 2007.

Ralph was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was an avid golfer, outdoorsman, private pilot and entrepreneur. Ralph’s faith was extremely important to him and he served on numerous committees as well as being a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church where he was a member. He will be greatly missed by many.

Surviving are his wife Christine of Decatur; two sons Kevan (Heather) Biggs of Ft. Wayne and Eric Biggs of San Marcos, California; three grandchildren Avery, Lauren, and Charles Biggs; five brothers Don (Marie) Biggs of Vincennes, Jerry (Pat) Biggs of Tulsa, OK, Bob (Doris) Biggs of Vincennes, Norman (Virginia) Biggs of Virginia Beach, VA and Richard (Linda) Biggs of Vincennes; a sister Rita (George) Lavely of Vincennes. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Jeannie.

Ralph attended Purdue University where he graduated with a Masters in Business Administration and an Undergraduate Degree in Agricultural Economics. Ralph came to Decatur in the fall of 1962 to work for Clark Smith at Ideal Suburban Homes. Ralph became President of Ideal Suburban Homes in 1964 where he has been honored 3 years in a row as a Top Builder by Professional Builder Magazine. He founded Biggs, Inc. in 1964 and founded Ideal Realty in 1965 along with Clark Smith and Allen Felt. Ralph founded GKB Enterprises in 1980 along with Steve Kreigh. Over the years, Ralph developed 43 communities in Northeast Indiana and Ohio. Through Biggs, Inc. he developed 32 apartment complexes and managed 2,700 apartment homes. Ralph also developed Cross Creek Golf Course, Eagle Glen Golf Course, and Blackford County Country Club. He was one of the founders of Rural Rental Housing Association as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Adams County.

Ralph supported the St. Vincent DePaul Society, he was a board member of Catholic Community Foundation Diocese of Ft. Wayne-South Bend for 14 years, a member of Christ Renews His Parish and a member of the Fort Wayne Home Builders Association for 44 years where he received numerous Spike Awards. Ralph was involved in many organizations including the Elks Lodge #993, Air Force Reserves, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, 100% Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jeremiah Millbanks Society of the Boys and Girls Club, Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, and the John Purdue Club. Ralph was also honored twice as the recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash.

Memorials are to St. Vincent DePaul Society in Decatur or the Boys & Girls Club of Adams County.

To sign our guest book, click on Haggard & Sefton Funeral Home .

Ideal’s Builder Story

With over 45 years of experience, Ideal has been a leader in the homebuilding business in Northeast Indiana. From Muncie to the Michigan line, Ideal has been delivering the American Dream to thousands of families. Building a quality home begins with quality craftsmanship. At Ideal we feel very strongly about retaining the best craftsmen.

Ideal’s mission statement, “Building Trust and Quality in Every Home” exemplifies their commitment to the customer. These two basic ingredients, trust and quality, are the secret recipe that keeps buyers coming back year after year and generation after generation.

With functional home designs that fit today’s lifestyle, Ideal delivers the best value with the highest quality and eye catching detail. Ideal not only takes care of the customer, they also take care of their craftsman which in turn results in a product that is consistent and competed to the highest standards.

Ideal’s strong financial background ensures stability and longevity though unsettled times.

With their primary focus on small Midwest towns, Ideal’s solid reputation has ensured their success. Ideal stands behind every home with their dedicated warranty and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Over the years their company President, Ralph Biggs, has quietly built a business founded on strong values and good moral judgment. His son, Kevan Biggs, has continued the success by building on this solid foundation and operating under the same philosophy.

---