Ralph Robert Stearns, age 91 of Freeport, IL, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2017. He was born May 6, 1926 in Freeport; the son of the late Arthur and Anna (Vaughan) Stearns. He attended Freeport High School and graduated in June 1944. The next day he reported to Great Lakes Naval Training Center. After completion of six weeks training, he served on an LST for the duration of WWII at Iwo Jima and throughout the South Pacific.

Ralph married Violet Marie Woods on Sept. 10, 1948 and they spent many years farming. He also drove for Lobdell Trucking and worked at Burgess Battery before his retirement. After his retirement, he drove cars for Fairway Ford.

He leaves behind his sister, Esther (James) Bushelle and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Violet.