Elmer Lee Ratliff

Elmer Lee Ratliff was born in Sayre, Oklahoma to Henry and Annabelle Ratliff on June 22, 1926 and passed from this life on (date). He was married to his high school sweetheart, Wilda Euliss Ratliff, for sixty-five years. Elmer is survived by his wife, Wilda, and daughters, Karen Ratliff Brothers and Myra Ratliff Harrell. He dearly loved his family. Elmer was proud of his sons-in-law, Ken Grundy (deceased), Harold Brothers and Rocky Harrell. He has 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Annabelle Ratliff, brother, Carl Ratliff, and sisters, Lucille Hartpence and Eulala Nutt.

Elmer was a WWII veteran. He served as a member of the Army's 42nd Rainbow Division, 232nd Infantry Regiment. His family was blessed in receiving a memory book written by Elmer. Included in the book, are stories regarding living in a fox hole, liberating Dachau Concentration Camp, and chauffeuring General McNamee at the end of the war. He commandeered a camera while in Germany and took firsthand photographs of Dachau.

Elmer was employed in Denver City, Texas by Atlantic Richfield from 1952 until 1979. He served on the City Council and was very active in the community. He served as both a deacon and an elder at the Denver City Church of Christ. His greatest love was leading congregational singing. His dad trained him as a boy, placing a box behind the pulpit for him to be tall enough to be seen. As a man he was ahead of his time by beginning a song from the front row. His enthusiasm was contagious. The congregation was in full praise when he turned with a smile on his face to lead singing.

The Ratliffs moved to Midland,TX in 1979. Elmer served ARCO as Safety and Training Director. He loved his work and his co-workers. After retirement, Elmer and Wilda spent 6 months a year in Cloudcroft, NM.

Due to a stroke in 2008, Wilda served Elmer as caregiver. The last five months of his life were spent living at Sagecrest Green House in San Angelo, TX. The family suggests memorials could be sent to Sagecrest Alzheimer's Care Center. It is their desire that other families' loved ones who are dealing with this disease will be able to live a life of love, respect and dignity as they struggle with their losses and frustrations.

Graveside services will be held at Restheaven Memorial Cemetery Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 11amin Midland, TX arranged by Johnson's Funeral Home.

Until We Meet Again May the Lord Bless And Keep Each of You Who Have Touched Our Lives on This Earthly Journey.