Ralph B. Hinzman's Obituary
Ralph Bailey Hinzman, Jr., 83, passed away at home on Thursday, October 6, 2022 after a valiant three year struggle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Born on August 6, 1939, in Weston, WV, son of Geraldine Furman Hinzman and Ralph Bailey Hinzman, Ralph grew up with three siblings and shared many stories of those times. He and his childhood sweetheart, Twyla McCue Hinzman met at and graduated from Weston High School (‘57), attended WVU, then transferred to and graduated from Glenville State College in 1961. In 1960, the couple married and moved to Charleston, WV where Ralph’s librarian career had begun and where daughter Rebecca Kay was born in 1962.
The family moved to Dover, Delaware six months later; Capital School District employed Ralph as Librarian at Dover High School. In 1963, Kathryn Elaine was born; sadly the five year old died from a congenital heart defect on June 21, 1969 (Moon Walk). Subsequently, Ralph’s life partner was hired as co-librarian where they worked together for 22 years.
“Librarian” was just a title; many students remember working as library aides, receiving support in the library and in other ways as Ralph and Twyla formed lifelong relationships mentoring and caring for scores of Dover High students. Ralph was a DHS Band Booster and enjoyed watching DHS sports and taking tickets at games. He also ran the library at the Groves Night School in Woodside for many years; he recounted stories of his students overcoming obstacles to complete their education and was pleased he could assist them. The technological advent ushered in huge changes in library functions; Ralph worked long hours to make it so. He shared fond memories of his work and colleagues over the years; his stories were copious!
As a lifelong learner, Ralph pursued his Master’s Degree in Library Science from East Tennessee State University, then his “Plus 30” from University of Delaware. He was interested in History and learned first hand from the MANY trips taken with Twyla in their Airstream. They visited 48 states and the Holy Lands; the latter being of great spiritual significance to him. In retirement he became an avid Genealogist researching family lines in tandem with Twyla.
The couple built a home in Pleasanton Acres in 1974 and was thankful for the friendship of the Buckley and Langham families living side by side for 42 years. Woodworking and landscaping were a passion as well as his interest in Ham Radio operation which he shared with friend/coworker Dennis Wooten.
Ralph attended and served First Baptist Church in many capacities for 60 years, especially in Music Ministry as a bass. Music was special to Ralph as it had been the magnet that brought his precious Twyla to him…it was a mutual love of secular and spiritual songs.
Ralph is predeceased by his wife, parents and daughter “Kathy” stated above as well as sister, Caroline H. Ramsay. He is survived by daughter Rebecca H. Dale and granddaughter, Sarah Morgan Dale, Dean Hinzman (Janice), Doris H. Broscius (Rodney Murphey) and many nieces and nephews. His “Inlaw Family” was so important to him, especially during the 158 days he and Twyla were apart.
We thank Delaware Hospice, especially Nurse Katie Lynch, Pam Mozert and many others for the superb care. Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 with visitation from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church 301 Walker Road, Dover, DE. The internment service will be Saturday, October 15, at noon at the Lewis County Memorial Gardens, Weston, WV.
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