Ralph Geren Kramer

Ralph Geren Kramer, 90, of Fort Smith, died Jan. 28, 2012 in Fort Smith. He was born March 8, 1921 in Fort Smith to Ralph A. and Elsie Geren Kramer. He graduated from high school in 1937 and attended the University of Arkansas, graduating in 1941. He was a member of Lambi Chi Alpha. He attended medical school at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock and graduated in 1944. He trained at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif. and served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 and again in 1953 to 1954. He was chief of staff at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center when the new hospital opened and President Gerald Ford dedicated the hospital. He was also chief of staff at Sparks Regional Medical Center, president of the Sebastian County Medical Society, and president of the Arkansas Chapter of AAFP. He was on the board of Lincoln Youth Center, commissioner of War Memorial Stadium appointed by Gov. Frank White for a seven-year term. He was in family practice for 40 years-plus and then became medical director of Sparks Regional Medical Center. He served on the board of trustees and also the board of Sparks Foundation. He served on the board of Superior Bank for 25 years and is chairman of the Godfrey Thomas Foundation. He served on the board of the Fort Smith Classic, was an operator of the trolley in Fort Smith, and member of Friends of the Library board. He served as the medical director of Select Specialty Hospital. He was a member of the Arkansas Medical Society and the AMA. He was active in the U.S. Naval Reserve and retired with the rank of commander. He is survived by his loving wife, Millie Kramer of Fort Smith; one daughter, Karen Stuart and husband Steve of Dallas, Texas, Dr. Steve Kramer of Las Vegas, Nev., William Kramer and wife Mary of Biloxi, Miss., and Kenneth Kramer and wife Mari of Houston, Texas; one step-daughter, Patrice Acosta of Fort Smith and Steve Kistulentz and wife Tracy of Jackson, Miss.; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; sister, Betty Adams and aunt, Jackie Stapleton, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Delores Kramer and grandson, Colin Kramer. Funeral will be Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in Christ the King Catholic Church, with burial to follow in the U.S. National Cemetery including full military honors, all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Sam Bateman, Bruce McNeill, Dr. R.C. Goodman, Jim Sparks, Doug Parker and Dr. Boyd Saviers. The family will greet friends in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Monday evening from 5-7 p.m. Memorials may be made to U of A Fort Smith Season of Entertainment or Christ the King Catholic Church, 1920 S. Greenwood, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.