Ralph Traevino, age 84, of Houston, Texas, passed away on 7/30/2026 at home in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Ralph was born and grew up in Marshall, Michigan, where he spent a lot of time on his grandparents’ farm; he cherished his time there. He attended Battle Creek Central and Harper Creek High School. As a young man, he carried a gift that would stay with him his whole life: music. A very gifted and entirely self-taught musician, Ralph learned to play a variety of instruments on his own and possessed a beautiful singing voice that set him apart. His talent once brought him within reach of a recording contract with the legendary Motown Records — an opportunity cut short when he was drafted into the military.

Ralph served his country proudly as a member of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, starting at Fort Knox, then deploying to Vietnam where he was in combat. He received a Bronze Star for his bravery. He carried that pride of service with him for the rest of his life, and his family will always remember him as a Vietnam veteran who answered the call to serve.

Following his time in the military, Ralph returned to Michigan, where he spent years close to family. He later relocated to Houston, Texas, which would become his home for the next 40 years. In Houston, Ralph continued to pursue his lifelong love of music, owning several clubs and performing in them as a singer and keyboardist. Alongside his music career, he was also a dedicated businessman who owned and operated a transportation company.

Ralph's interests were as varied as his talents. He enjoyed shooting and collecting firearms, was a practitioner of martial arts, and took great pride in training Doberman Pinschers. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his great-grandchildren and giving them rides on his motor scooter. He will be greatly missed.

Ralph is survived by his children: Philip Tobin, Daniel Traevino, Angela (Vince) Cobb, Holly (Corey) Tripp, Dean (Amiee) Mingus, Malinda Barrett, and Luana Baldwin; Siblings: Reyes Garcia, Irene (Larry) Fox, Gloria Garcia, Beatrice Rollins, and Jose Cruz Garcia, Jr.; His love of many years, Georgie Carroll; and his caretakers: Dora and Amanda.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Cruz Garcia and Luz Maria Bocanegra Garcia; His wife, Donna Traevino; and siblings: Johnny Garcia, Josie Bombard, Mary Leche, Lupe Schultz, and Sylvia Garcia.

Funeral Services: Services start at Noon, August 13, 2026 | Fort Custer Cemetery 15501 Dickman Rd., Augusta, MI 49012 / Please arrive 30 minutes early to ensure participation.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to either:

Wounded Hearts Ministry https://www.woundedheartsministry.org

Warriors Set Free WSF Give - Warriors Set Free

Fighting Diamond Foundation Donate | 1 Powerful Way to Support Our Mission Today

The Road Map https://www.theroadmap.org/donate

All of these organizations help Veterans and their families.

Map of Fort Custer National Cemetery:

To enter Fort Custer National Cemetery, take the main entrance off Dickman Road. The administration building can be found to the right after passing the restrooms.

Fort Custer National Cemetery

15501 Dickman Rd.

Augusta, MI 49012