MONETT, Mo. — Dr. Ralph Lincoln Scott,

born August 6, 1927, on Shady Lane Farm Pawnee County, Kansas, passed away peacefully October 16, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Mildred Scott; stepmother, Thelma Scott; siblings, Charles, Mary, Dora, Edward, and Arthur Scott; his loving Workman in-laws; two nephews; and a niece.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Mary Scott; children, Judge John (Sue) Scott of Rogers, Ark., Richard (Elizabeth) Scott of Charleston, S.C., Lisa (Mark) Horner of Wildwood, Mo.; grandchildren, LeAnn (Jeff) Pund, Dustin (Elisha) Edwards, Allison (Trent) Jackson, Michael (Kristi) Scott, Sarabeth Scott, David (Angela) Scott, Benjamin (Maribeth) Scott, Shannon (Beau) Darling, Erin Horner; nine great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Ralph was raised in Kansas and attended high school in Alma, Ark., where he excelled and was valedictorian of his class. Following graduation he enlisted and honorably served in the U.S. Navy. After being discharged he attended Arkansas Tech University and earned his Master’s Degree and Doctoral degree (Ed.D.) at the University of Arkansas.

Early in his career, starting in 1951, Ralph taught Science, Biology, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology, both at Monett High School and Monett Jr. College, in the Brentwood School District and at Cabool. At Cabool, he also taught physical education and was head coach for all the high school sports. Beginning in 1957, he returned to Monett where he served as head coach for two years, teaching Physics and other science courses.

In 1965, Dr. Scott was named Superintendent of Monett Schools and held that post for 23 years. During his tenure, a visionary plan was created that still holds today with the passing of four bond issues that financed the construction of modern K-12 facilities as well as one of Missouri’s first vocational-technical schools, which was renamed in 2012 as the Scott Regional Technology Center in his honor.

At the local, regional, and state levels Ralph’s leadership was evident in many ways. He helped found the Monett Sheltered Workshop, organized and administered the federally funded Migrant Education Center, supervised the regional Adult basic Education Program, implemented computerized accounting and pioneered the concept of instructional management systems. He also developed an 18-acre Outdoor Classroom program in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation. From 1988-1992 Dr. Scott served as an associate professor at Missouri State University, where he helped train the next generation of school administrators.

He received many awards and accolades over the years including Outstanding CTA/ MSTA School Administrator (1983); Missouri State Teachers Association outstanding administrator (1987); recipient of the first Pearce Award from the Missouri Association of School Administrators, of which he served as president in 1973; and Missouri Pioneer in Education Award from the State Board of Education (1993).

In the community, Ralph was an active member of the Lion’s Club, supporter of the Boy Scouts, and Shelter Workshop board member. Serving in leadership positions came naturally to Dr. Scott. He was extremely faithful and dedicated to his church and served as a delegate to jurisdictional and general conferences of the United Methodist Church for 24 years.

Ralph was a life-long learner and avid reader who visited the public library two to three times a month. Some of his other favorite activities included horseback riding, fishing, gardening, snow skiing, working out at the YMCA, and carpentry. As a Monett Cub, Missouri State Bear, and Arkansas Razorback superfan Ralph greatly enjoyed attending games and cheering for his teams. Woo Pig Sooie!

Ralph will be remembered for his selflessness, integrity, and commitment to helping others. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The visitation will be Friday, October 20th from 4-7 p.m., and funeral service Saturday at 11 a.m., both held at the First United Methodist Church in Monett.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Ralph L. Scott Memorial Fund and be mailed to: c/o Scott Regional Technology Center, 2 David Sippy Drive, Monett, Mo. 65708. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, Mo.