Ralph Martin Barrows

AUGUSTA – Ralph Martin Barrows, 75, passed away peacefully at home in Augusta, on Dec. 19, 2021. He was born in Augusta on Jan. 27, 1946, the son of William Sr. and Eula (Stratton) Barrows. Ralph was a Sergeant in the Army during the Vietnam Conflict in the 4th and later, 25th Infantry Divisions, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Purple Heart, and a Combat Infantryman Badge. In retirement, he was honored with the Maine Silver Star for his service. He worked in Augusta most of his adult life for the State of Maine Directorate of Facilities Engineering at Camp Keyes. He was previously employed at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, the City of Augusta, Caron Lumber, Taylor Shoe, Edwards Manufacturing, Pratt and Whitney, Handitap, and the Town of Wallingford, Conn. He particularly enjoyed retirement, where he spent much time tinkering on small engines and hanging out in his garage/man cave. He loved classic westerns, country and western music, morning coffee, upside down banana splits, BBQs, horseshoes, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and tractor- and horse-pulls during fair season. Ralph was predeceased by his parents; brother William Jr.; brother Paul; and aunt Georgie (Stratton) Gagne all of Augusta. He is survived by his son Craig Barrows and wife Jeanne of Gardiner; son James Barrows of Augusta; daughter Jennifer Barrows and partner Brendan McGuirl of Waldoboro; brother Richard Barrows and wife Theresa of Augusta; brother Kenneth Barrows of Augusta; granddaughter Josie Hall and husband Aaron of South Gardiner; grandson Craig (CJ) Barrows of Gardiner; uncle Dennis Stratton Sr. of Sidney; granddogs Keiki and Bentley; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.Those wishing to attend a farewell to Ralph are invited to a visitation on Monday, Dec. 27, 2021 from 1-3 p.m., with a service following at 3 p.m. at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta. A graveside committal with military honors will be held in the spring at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta. Friends and relatives may share memories and condolences with the family at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com Memorial gifts in honor of Ralph may be directed to Fisher House at http://www.connect.fisherhouse.org/campaign/Ralph-Barrows.