OBITUARY: Ralph Sprague Adkisson

Ralph Sprague Adkisson, 85, of Cave-In-Rock, formally of the Galatia area, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013, St. Johns Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

He was born Oct.12, 1927, in Saline County to John and Blanche (Sprague) Adkisson. He graduated from Galatia High School. He was a member of New Hope Church in Galatia and a member of the Harrisburg Masonic Lodge No. 325. He married Betty Monzelle Adams Nov. 8, 1950, in Piggott, Ark. Ralph was a WWII and Korean War Veteran. He worked for Wilson Cabinet in Harrisburg many years before becoming a land man for coal companies. He and Betty traveled widely over the U.S. working for three different companies: Peabody, Amax and Consolidated. They loved traveling in their RV visiting many places and made many friends along the way. One of their favorite things was to take their grandchildren along for RV trips. They lived in Elkins, W. Va. for 14 years and Ralph worked as a land man there.

Ralph is survived by five children Gary L. Adkisson of St. Louis, Mo., Ralph G. Adkisson of Elkins, W. Va., Monzelle (Joel) Bowles of Carrier Mills, Ann (Todd) Butler of Norman, Okla., and Mark Adkisson of Cave-in-Rock. Ralph is also survived by eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is survived by one sister Mary (Richard) Stevens of Galatia; one sister in law Jean Adkisson of Galatia. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and other extended family.

Ralph enjoyed his dog Honey Bear too.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Blanche (Sprague) Adkisson; his wife, Betty (Adams) Adkisson; and one brother, Bobby Lee Adkisson.

Ralph was a devoted husband and father. He and Betty were loving parents. Their family was everything to them.

Graveside Funeral services where held Friday, March 15, 2013, at the Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg.

Sloan Funeral Home of Galatia was in charge of arrangements.