Ralph Dean McFarland Sr., 93, of Festus died March 27, 2026, at Riverview at the Park Nursing Center in Ste. Genevieve. Mr. McFarland retired from Union Electric, where he worked as an electrician. He attended Good News Community Church and was a longtime member of the Joachim Golf Club in Herculaneum. He will be remembered for his devotion to his faith and family. Born June 5, 1932, in Elvins, he was the son of the late Francis (Sutherland) and Homer Lee McFarland.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years: Norma Jean (Rider) McFarland; three children: Ralph Dean (Denise) McFarland Jr. of Festus, Dennis Ray (Lynn) McFarland of Henderson, Ky., and Denise (David) Picarella of Crystal City; six grandchildren: Stephen Chmiel, Craig (Amber) McFarland, Sherida McFarland, Adam (Teresa) McFarland, Nathan (Niki) Picarella and Ryan (Callie) Picarella; and 11 great-grandchildren: Kinley McFarland, Cole McFarland, Lillian Green, Eli Green, Levi Green, Brynn McFarland, Rory McFarland, Brielle Picarella, Isabelle Picarella, Macklynn Picarella, and Oslynn Picarella.
He was preceded in death by a brother: Homer Lee (the late Beulah “Bernice”) McFarland Jr.; and a sister: Regina (the late Bill) Hawkinson.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until services at noon Tuesday, March 31, at Good News Community Church of Festus, 2793 Hwy. 61, in Festus, 63028, officiated by Pastor Justin Metiva and Pastor Bob Siebles. Burial will follow in the Presbyterian/Methodist Cemetery in Festus. Memorials may be made to Good News Community Church or Pony Bird Home, 3655 Baptist Park Road, Festus, 63028. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.