Ralph Beckman Elston

Ralph was a native of Fort Wayne who graduated from South Side High School. He later graduated from the University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Law School. While in law school, Ralph met his future wife, Madelane, whom he married in 1963. Ralph served in the United States Army as an artillery officer and, after his military service, returned with Madelane to Fort Wayne where he began his career as a trust and estates attorney. Ralph loved spending time in the outdoors with friends and family. He was happiest when hunting in the fields of Indiana, Michigan and Mississippi, fly fishing in rivers around the country, sinking his feet into the white sand of the beaches of the Florida Gulf Coast or sometimes finding the sand in the hazards on the golf course at the Fort Wayne Country Club where he was a member for many years. Ralph was a lifelong golfer who deeply enjoyed the camaraderie and healthy competition of a round of golf. He rarely missed a chance to play and was lucky enough to tee it up with Duke Snider, Pee Wee Reese and Carl Erskine of the Brooklyn Dodgers during a very special Mad Anthonys Charity Classic golf tournament. After attending the Masters on a few occasions, he even had an opportunity to complete a round at the fabled Augusta National Golf Club. He was also an active supporter of the of the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Foundation for many years. While he was unable to play in recent years, Ralph had many happy memories of his time on the links including a trip with his brother to Scotland where they played some of the original courses of the game that he loved so much. Ralph also deeply enjoyed military history and, in particular, learning about the heroics of those who served in World War II. Even in his last days, Ralph enjoyed recounting stories about those members of the Greatest Generation who sacrificed so much and whose courage seemed to inspire him to confront his own challenges. Ralph was the proud father of Deborah Shearer, Melanie Elston and Christopher Elston. He was also blessed with four grandchildren. He is survived by his children and grandchildren as well as his wife, Madelane, and his brother, William Elston. Ralph’s convivial nature and sense of humor will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Arrangements for a service will be made at a later time when it is safe for family and friends to gather in remembrance. In memory of Ralph’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Evans Scholars Foundation of the Western Golf Association. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com for the Elston family.