Ralph Latimer

Ralph Latimer was born on Saturday, September 25, 1926, in Ransomville, Kansas. He was the son of Ralph V. and Nellie (Gay) Latimer. A lifelong Franklin County, Kansas resident, Ralph made his home in Ottawa until his death on Friday, April 18, 2008, at the age of eighty-one years. Ralph attended Ottawa schools. He was employed as a Signal Repairman in Topeka for the Santa Fe Railroad Signal Department from 1951 to 1988. For several years, he worked for the Coca-Cola plant in Ottawa. Ralph served in the United States Army from December 13, 1944 to November 27, 1946, as a Private First Class in the 8th Army Infantry during World War II and Korean War. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #1650 of Topeka, Kansas. Ralph could fix just about anything you needed fixed. He just had a knack for being able to figure out how something work and how it could be fixed. Most important to his life, however was his love for his wife and family. They meant more to him than anything. His family will miss him dearly. On June 15, 1952, Ralph was united in marriage with Areta Cramer in Wellsville, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is also survived by his daughter, Cheryl Black of Ottawa, Kansas; son, Stephen Latimer of Yates Center, Kansas; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Midge Latimer of Ottawa, Kansas; three sisters, Vera Grey of Ottawa, Kansas, Viola Miller of Louisburg, Kansas, Vivian Ebert of Sequin, Texas; five grandchildren, Angie Hook, Betsy Hedges, Casey Black, Bethany Gregory, Kari Latimer; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Roy Latimer, Ronnie Latimer; and sister, Violet Wills. SERVICES: Graveside inurnment services will be held at Wellsville Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2008. IN STATE: Cremation is planned. Family will meet with friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2008. CEMETERY: Wellsville Cemetery. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to American Lung Association, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.