Ralph Chalfant

Ralph Clayton Chalfant, formerly of Kerrville & Iraan Texas, passed away at the age of 95 in his home on September 10, 2015. He went peacefully with the Lord at 6:15 a.m. surrounded by his family and loved ones. Ralph was a man of many accomplishments; Eagle Scout, 32nd degree Mason, Successful Business Man, Musician and avid Golfer.\r\n \r\nRalph led a storied and adventurous life. Ralph was the only child born to parents Wilbur and Mary Baldwin Chalfant in Oblong, Illinois on July 29, 1920. In 1924 due to his failing health and in effort to save his life, his parents gave up their home, family and comfortable lifestyle to move to a desolate area of West TX (later named Iraan). Once there, he thrived and regained his health where he grew up freely roaming and exploring the West Texas wilderness with his be-loved horse Babe and his loyal dog Scout. \r\n \r\nRalph graduated from Iraan High School as President of his class in 1938. After graduation he attended Tarleton State military Academy later known as Tarleton State University. Ralph's mischievous ways led to many interesting adventures, some of which are memorialized on the mosaics of the school to this day. He transferred to the University of Texas in Austin as a law student. He was the first member of the newly formed UT Spurs. He was a Fraternity member & a Paige for a Texas State Senator. His career goal was to become an Attorney and ultimately the Governor of Texas.\r\n \r\nAs with many of his generation, his dreams were interrupted by WWII. Ralph joined the Coast Guard, married his wife Bertha Mae Best and was stationed in Boston, MA for 3 years. After the War, Ralph and Bertha returned to Iraan where he worked for the Gulf Oil Co. Shortly thereafter, he and Bertha opened and operated Chalfant Insurance Agency in Iraan, TX for 42 years. In addition, Ralph became the Administrator of the Iraan and Ft. Stockton Hospitals and later the President of the Texas Hospital Association. \r\n \r\nRalph proudly and happily raised his family and lived in Iraan, TX for 65 years. Ralph and Bertha retired to Kerrville, TX in 1989. After retirement, Ralph became a long standing and (oldest) third chair violinist with the Kerrville Symphony. This was an accomplishment and talent he was very proud of.\r\n \r\nRalph was a devout Christian, devoted family man and a proud American. \r\n \r\nRalph was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Bertha Mae Best Chalfant in February of 2014.\r\n \r\nHe is survived by his daughters, Sandra Mandrell & Sherry Frazier. Grandchildren- Kassi Brady, Bryan Mandrell & Shanna Kelly. Great grandchildren- Dustin Lovett, Shelby Kelly, Markayla Mandrell and Josh Kelly.\r\n \r\nGraveside services will be held at 1 PM, Monday, September 14, 2015 at Garden of Memories Cemetery officiated by Pastor Donna Magee.