News Summary
Major Ralph Seichi Motogawa, a respected U.S. Air Force veteran, passed away at 93, leaving behind a loving family and a legacy of service and dedication. His contributions span military and civilian sectors, reflecting a life well-lived and cherished in his community.
San Antonio, Texas – Major Ralph Seichi Motogawa, a dedicated U.S. Air Force veteran and cherished family man, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 93. He was widely respected and loved by his family, friends, and community.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Juanita “Nita” Lucille Johnson Motogawa, with whom he shared 28 years of marriage. He leaves behind two children, Diane (Tommy) Bell from Americus, Georgia, and Christopher (Ann) Motogawa from Evanston, Illinois, along with five beloved grandchildren: Catherine, Grace, Hannah Motogawa, Donna (Jay) Roobin, and Keith Castleberry. He also has five great-grandchildren. Nita’s family includes her four children: Danny (Connie) Sharon, Michael (Valerie) Sharon, Thomas (Linda) Sharon, and Patricia (Clifton) Conklin, as well as her grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Ralph was born on March 18, 1932, in Napoopoo, Hawaii. He pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska in 1955 and a Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco in 1977.
His military service in the U.S. Air Force spanned 25 years, culminating in the rank of Major before his retirement in 1980. During his extensive career, Ralph held various responsibilities, including roles in Communications and Electronics, Personnel Administration, and Logistics. His service during the Cold War involved assignments at critical locations in Germany, where he prepared for potential Soviet threats, as well as strategic locations across the United States.
Among his professional achievements, Ralph contributed to the design and development of the Noncommissioned Officers Club at Kume Shima Detachment, Okinawa, and the Hobby Shop at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio. He served at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, Gary Air Force Base near San Marcos, Texas, and a mobile bomb scoring detachment at the Naval Ammunition Depot in Hastings, Nebraska. Ralph was also affiliated with the 8th Air Force Judo team and managed the Rod & Gun Club at Shaw AFB for six years.
After retiring from military service, Ralph settled in Effingham, Illinois, where he worked for WorldColor Press, a prominent magazine and catalog printing company. A man of varied interests, he enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, gardening, and particularly cooking sushi, showcasing his passion for culinary arts. Ralph took personal satisfaction in designing and constructing his own five-bedroom home in Effingham, taking upon himself much of the work involved.
Ralph’s dedication to the outdoors was evident in his pursuits as an avid sportsman, where he held a Jagdshein, a German hunting license. He was also an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus Council Number 665. Throughout his life, Ralph remained an active member of several organizations, contributing as a life member of the National Rifle Association, The American Legion, and the Military Officers Association of America.
In recognition of his service and contributions, Ralph will be interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. A celebration of life ceremony is currently being scheduled to honor his legacy and the impact he made on the lives of those who knew him.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
