Ralph Eldon Gann

Obituary For Ralph Eldon Gann

Ralph Eldon Gann, age 82, of Bowie, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Bowie.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at White Family Funeral Home in Bowie, Texas.

A funeral service celebrating Ralph’s life will take place on Monday, June 30, at 10:00 a.m., also at White Family Funeral Home. Following the service, a graveside ceremony will be held, including military honors with a flag ceremony and the playing of Taps, in recognition of Ralph’s service to his country.

Ralph was born February 26, 1943 in Lubbock, Texas, raised in Ringgold, and eventually made Bowie his lifelong home while attending high school. Throughout his life, he carried with him a strong sense of community, hard work, and dedication. He volunteered to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, demonstrating courage, selflessness, and commitment to his country.

After returning home, Ralph attended Texas A&M University, where he graduated in 1973 with a degree in Animal Science. He was always proud to be an Aggie and remained a loyal supporter of his Fighting Texas Aggies, especially during football season.

Following graduation, Ralph and his wife of 54 years, Mazelle Gann, built a life and legacy together in Bowie. Together, they opened and operated Bowie Seed and Produce. Ralph also owned and ran Ralph’s General Contracting, along with several other small businesses that became well-known fixtures in the Bowie community.

Ralph was deeply involved in serving Bowie. He spent time as a member of the Bowie Chamber of Commerce and volunteered with the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department, always eager to lend a helping hand. One of his greatest joys was coaching Youth Baseball from Tee Ball to Little League, where he made a lasting positive impact on many young men in the community.

Throughout his life, Ralph enjoyed many hobbies including quail hunting and training bird dogs, fishing and setting trotlines at Amon Carter Lake, hosting fish fries for his friends, playing dominoes at his lake cabin, and playing golf. Many mornings, you could find him at the Longhorn Café, catching up with friends and discussing current events over coffee. A devoted fan of both his Fighting Texas Aggies and the Texas Rangers, he rarely missed watching a game on TV and loved cheering them on from home.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Mazelle Gann; his son Clay Gann and wife Laura, along with their four children: Thomas, Jonathan, Brian, and Jane; his son Cody Gann; and his stepson Monty Karl, along with Monty’s sons Nathan and Andrew, and one step grandson Sean. He is also survived by his brother Roy Gann, his sister Dolores Lowery, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Una Lea Hubbard, his father Ralph Eldon Gann Sr., an infant brother David Lee Gann, his stepson Ronnie Karl, and his daughter-in-law Diane Karl (Monty).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice that helps US Veterans in honor of Ralph’s memory (e.g., K9s for Warriors, Wounded Warriors Family Support, The Fisher House Foundation).

Ralph will be remembered for his love of family, community, friendship, coaching baseball, good food, Aggie football, and good company. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, generosity, and service that will not be forgotten.

Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie, Texas.