Ralph William Julian

Ralph William Julian passed peacefully in sleep April 9, 2020 at Littleton Adventist Hospital. Ralph (Bud) Julian was born at Flandreau, South Dakota on September 15, 1929. His parents Ralph and Luella were owners of R.R. Julian Chevrolet Company from 1919-1941. Ralph and his sister Emily were raised on the campus of the Flandreau Indian School, where their father was in the Civil Service employed as an automotive instructor until retirement 1963.

Ralph attended college at South Dakota State for one year then pursued a Forestry Degree at the University of Montana, Missoula, Montana. Simultaneously he was a cadet in the Reserve Officer Training Course and graduated Military Distinguished Graduate. He accepted a commission in the Regular Army.

He was united in marriage to Jean Gitchel on June 12, 1951 at the Flandreau Second Presbyterian Church. Ralph was an Infantry Officer, progressing through the ranks for the next 28 years. Jean was also of service volunteering as Director of Volunteers for Red Cross Europe.

On March 21, 1967, Ralph was Commander of the 22^nd Mechanized Battalion, 4^th Infantry Division during the battle of Soui Tre, Vietnam. Firebase Gold was rescued from being overrun by Viet Cong troops. Ralph was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and the Legion of Merit for Gallantry and Bravery in combat.

He was distinguished in award by the South Vietnam Government for his work as Province Advisor building roads, schools and hospitals 1970-71.

Ralph was a 1972 graduate of the Army War College and also completed a Masters degree of Psychology and Counseling.

Jean and Ralph retired to rural Brookings, South Dakota in 1979, where he drove school bus for the next 10 years. They had a home built in Highlands Ranch, Colorado in 1996. In 2007 they sold their home and moved to Wind Crest Retirement Community.

He is survived by his wife Jean, five sons Michael (Gay), Randy (Maxx), Mark (Deana), Greg (Jeri) and David, twelve Grandchildren and eleven Great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Emily and his parents Ralph and Luella Julian.