Ralph Wayne Hooton

Ralph Wayne Hooton was born on March 27, 1930 in Stafford County, Kansas to Floyd and Frances (Ferguson) Hooton and passed away on February 26th, 2015. Ralph attended Zenith Elementary and Stafford High School and the family relocated to Jewell County where he graduated from Esbon High School in 1948. After high school he was drafted into the United States Army. He was assigned to the 8th Division, 35th Infantry Regiment stationed at Fort Ord, California and shipped to Korea. He served from October 25, 1951 to August 3, 1953. Ralph elevated in rank from Private to Sergeant First Class where he was injured in the line of duty earning the Purple Heart. Ralph was extremely proud to have served in the military and for his country.

Upon his return home from the service Ralph was reunited with the love of his life, Anita Joy King. They were united in marriage on October 8th, 1955. In this union, Ralph and Anita were blessed with 4 children. Ralph was active in his community, where he served on the Esbon School Board of Education, Union Chapel Church Sunday school teacher and as a member of the Esbon American Legion. Ralph dedicated his life to farming. He retired in 2000 and moved to Mankato where he continued to work as the care taker for Mount Hope Cemetery until December 2012. He became an active member of the Mankato Christian Church serving as a member on the church board. Ralph relocated to Ulysses, KS in January of 2014.

Ralph had a multitude of hobbies that he excelled in. He loved to play his guitar and sing for his family and for his church. He was very active and participated in many sports including bowling, golf, and softball. He was well known in many surrounding counties for his Softball playing ability, specifically known for his pitching.
Ralph was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Lee Hooton, parents, his wife, and his son Wayne K. Hooton. Ralph went by a lot of family titles including Daddy, Old Gramps, Chief, and Captain. He is survived by his sister Dorothy (Leo)Lake, Salina, Kansas, children Sheila (Rick) Diamond, Mankato, Kansas, Sandra (Chuck) Foster, Dodge City, Kansas, Harold (Donna) Hooton, Ulysses, Kansas; Grandchildren, Nicolette (Travis) Zeigler, Wamego, Kansas, Megan (Brett) Ebert, Wamego, Kansas, Ashley (Derek) Clark, Superior, Nebraska, Amber Brown, Ulysses, Kansas, Michael Hooton, Portland, Oregon; Great Grandchildren, Byron & Jackson Zeigler, Zachary Kane, Brayden & Ryese Ebert, Dayne & Levi Clark, and Royale Brown, and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Ralph loved his family, loved his work, but loved God most of all. Ralph left this life singing God’s praises to reunite with those that proceeded him.

Funeral services are to be held on, Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the Mankato Christian Church, Mankato, Kansas with Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle and Bob Angleton officiating. Mrs. Pat Grout was the organist and Kenny Rhea was the soloist, who will sing “Amazing Grace” and “Go Rest High on the Mountain.” Casket bearers were: Travis Zeigler, Derek Clark, Brett Ebert, Michael Hooton, Greg LaFever, Charlie Fischer, and Zachary Kane. Honorary casket bearers were – Leo Luke, Jack King, Gene King, Don King, Donald Hamilton, Willie Beckley, Doug Hancocn, and Jim McCall. Family will receive friends from 6:30-8:00, Monday, March 2, 2015 at Melby Mortuary in Mankato, Kansas. Internment will at Highland Cemetery, Esbon, Kansas, following services. Military honors will be given by United States Army Honor Guard, Riley, Kansas, Perry Lamb American Legion Post No. 368, Esbon, Kansas, and Emory Clemons American Legion Post No. 263, Burr Oak, Kansas.

Memorials can be made to Childhood Cancer Awareness, or Salina Rescue Mission.