Ralph Sharpless

Beloved husband, father and grandfather R. Lewis Sharpless (Lou), 72 of Brimfield went peacefully with family by his side on Dec. 17th. Born January 2nd 1937 in Kitzmiiller, MD he moved to Akron and met the love of his life Mary Ann to begin their lives together. A devoted family man, he demonstrated dignity and honor in his daily work ethics as a self-made small business machine shop owner/operator (first with A. Forte Machine and then DMD Machine Company). Many will no doubt remember him from many years and 'good times' at Barberton, Midvale and Cloverleaf Speedways. Over the years as owner and builder of multiple Season Championship teams, he considered these to be among his fondest friends and memories.

He is lovingly survived by wife, Mary Ann; daughters Mary Lynn (Peach) Szabo of Rootstown and Diana of Hailey, ID; son, Don (Jennifer) of Carrollton; grandchildren Danny, Rachel, Jason, Anthony and Leah; great-grandson Hayden; and brother Bill (Sue). He is preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Charles Ray, Eugene and Everett; grandson Mike Cox, and granddaughter Emma Lynn.

Calling hours will be Monday, December 21st from 4-7 p.m. at the Clifford Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls as we honor the man and a life worth remembering. Private burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery.
Clifford-Shoemaker, 330-928-2147

Please click on this link to view Lou's Tribute Video: http://videos.lifetributes.com/MediaViewer2.0/MovieViewer.aspx?id=107799