Ralph Otho Kelton, age 75 of Van Buren, Arkansas passed away Sunday, August 14, 2011 in a Van Buren hospital. He was the son of the late W.C. (William) Kelton, Sr. and Flora Matthews Kelton. He was born January 2, 1936 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he received an Honorable Discharge in 1956.
He is survived by six children: Farrell Don and his wife Bobbie Kelton of Oolagah, OK; Darla McNeal and her husband, Dr. Anthony J. Llamas of Seattle, WA; Melissa Ray and her husband Michael “Mike” of Lavaca, AR; Gina Shores and her husband Jose Ramon of Greenwood, AR; Tina Barnes and her husband Dwayne also of Greenwood, AR; and John Kelton and his wife Sherry of Alma, AR. He is likewise survived by his siblings, sister Diane Chatman and her husband Kenneth of Van Buren, AR and his remaining brother, Dale Kelton of Bloomer, AR. Ralph has twelve grandchildren: Gary and Randy kelton; Steven McNeal, Hannah and Caitlyn Holmes; Rebecca, Adam, and Gabby Shores; Sarah and Brittney Barnes; and Tyler and Ethan Kelton; in addition to two great grandchildren, Michael and Devin. Ralph is also survived by long time and very special friends, F.D. Winters, and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Chatman.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parent, William c. and Flora Kelton; brothers Robert “Bob”, William C. “Billie”, Jr., Karl M. Kelton, and his twin brothers, James Raymond and Jimmy Don Kelton.
Ralph was a man that never met a stranger and was a friend to many. He was always there to lend a helping hand and stretch out an arm to anyone in need. Every so, he was thoughtful, caring, and compassionate, and it showed through his concern and welfare to animals that didn’t even belong to him. He loved playing pool and was considered by many to be quite competitive often exercising his skills in tournaments.
He rededicated his life to the Lord Jesus Christ in 1999 and had since lived accordingly.
Cremation is under the direction of Fentress Mortuary of Fort Smith. Interment of cremains will be held privately at a later date at Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Memorial service will be 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 17 at Victory Temple 3912 Brooken Hill Drive Ft. Smith; AR.
Memorials may be sent to St. Jude’s Children Hospital P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148-0142, Memorial and Honor Gifts 1-800-873-6983 or The Sebastian County Human Society P.O. Box 10953 Ft. Smith, AR 72917
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