Ralph Essary, 90, of Broughton, died at 7:20 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 1998 at his home. He was a retired farmer.
He was born on March 1, 1908, in Hamilton County, a son of James P and Mary Edna (Trout) Essary. On April 3, 1929, he married Ersie Irvin, who died in 1984. He was a member of the Dale Christian Church.
The funeral was at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 23, at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro. The Rev. Ernie Essary officiated. Burial was in Digby Hill Cemetery in Dale.
Mr. Essary is survived by one son, Ray Essary and wife Mary of Broughton; four daughters, Josephine Maulding and husband W.T. of McLeansboro, Betty Stout of Eldorado, Irene Phelps and husband Bill of Olney, Norma Ewell of Broughton; one brother, Harley Essary of Broughton; 14 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two sisters and one great-grandchild.