Ralph Phelps

Ralph Phelps, 92, of Somerset, Kentucky went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 22, 2016. He was a beloved husband, dad, father-in-law, papaw, great papaw and brother. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Somerset for 60 years. He served his church faithfully. He taught Sunday school in the Glenn Gover Class for 50 years. He also served the church in the mission field. He served on missionary teams in Holland, Russia, Mexica, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. He was born in rural Pulaski County on April 7, 1924, the son of Eubert “Jack” and Maxie (Adams) Phelps. He graduated from Casey County High School in 1942 and served his country in the U.S. Navy toward the end of World War II. He was united in marriage to Lucille Sweet on August 9, 1943. He was a truck driver for Eagle Express in Somerset for nearly 30 years. After retiring he was employed as a courier for 1st & Farmers Bank, drove trucks for South Kentucky Mack, and served as a tour driver for First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Jackie Dennis; brothers, Arvie & (Sue), Larry & (Melva) and Donnie; and sisters, Lois Ann & (Roy) McDonald and Louise & (Charlie Bob) Sharpe. He is survived by his wife of nearly 73 years, Lucille; sisters, Reva & (Ron) Callahan of Chattanooga, TN, and Vicky Peters of Somerset; brother, Jackie & (Kathy) Phelps of Gardendale, AL; sons, Terry & (Lucy), Ronald & (Linda) both of Dalton, GA, and Philip & (Marcia) of Somerset; daughter, Linda & (Jim) Rutherford of Ferguson; grandchildren, Sharon, Tara, Heidi, Michael, Todd, Jennifer, Paige, Mark and Ashley; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Homecoming services will be conducted at First United Methodist Church in Somerset on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 11:00 AM, services will be conducted by Rev. Steve Spitzer. The family will receive friends at First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 25 from 5 PM to 8 PM. Burial will follow in the Bethelridge United Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church or to the Gideon’s International. Pulaski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at: www.pulaskifuneralhome.com