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Submitted: 1/14/22 • Approved: 1/14/22 • Last Updated: 1/17/22 • R481721-G0-S3
March 26, 1969-May 17, 1980
*Photo/information, courtesy of Robert L. Jones
*Obituary
(Published in The Wheeler Times, Wheeler, Texas, Volume 46, Number 24, Thursday, May 22, 1980, Page 1)
An accident Saturday morning claimed the life of an 11-year-old Kelton boy. Ralph Benard Alves, was run-over by a tractor tire when he fell from the fender about 11:30.
Ralph and a 12-year-old friend were taking a tractor down a country road, 4 miles east and two south of Kelton. The front tire of the tractor "blew-out," causing the driver to lose control; the right side of the tractor climbed a 3-foot embankment. Ralph fell from the left fender in front of the tire and was apparently killed instantly.
The friend ran some distance, 1/2 mile or more, for help. Justice of Peace, Charley Whiteley, pronounced Alves dead at the scene.
Funeral services for Alves were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Shamrock with Father B.A. Erpen, pastor, officiating.
Pall bearers were Gary Clements, Melvin Green, Dean Johnson, and Gayle Singleton. Honorary pallbearers were members of Boy Scout Troop #287.
Burial was in the Kelton Cemetery under the direction of Wright Funeral Home.
Survivors include the father, Joe Alves of Fresno, Calif.; the mother, Carol Taylor of Kelton; two brothers, Joey and Perry of the home; his grandparents, Mrs. Isabel Alves of Hanford, Calif. and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph House of Mobeetie.
Contributed on 1/14/22
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Record #: 481721