Ralph Adkins Coston, 87 of Warren, died Thursday, July 6, 2023, at his home. He was born in Magnet Cove, Arkansas on September 11, 1935, to the late William Monroe Coston and Lois Adkins Coston. Reared and receiving his early education in Magnet Cove, he graduated from Arkansas A & M College in Monticello (now UAM), earning his BSIE degree in 1957. Ralph served in the Arkansas National Guard for nine years. He began his career at Arkansas Power and Light (Entergy) as an engineer draftsman. Retiring in 1991 after 32 years, he achieved the position of District Manager, and was a Registered Professional Engineer by the State of Arkansas. Ralph was a Christian and had been an active member in Baptist churches in Magnet Cove, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Warren, Crossett, and Little Rock. He was an active member of Rotary, and attended seven Rotary International conventions over the years, also serving as Rotary District Governor, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. A Warren resident since 1979, Ralph was instrumental in establishing the Southwest Rural Water Association, and the Pleasant Valley Rural Fire Department #2. Through the years, he was involved in Boy Scouts of America, and has a grandson who achieved his Eagle Scout rank. Ralph was the husband of the former Sarah Ferguson, to whom he was married on August 30, 1957, in Crossett, Arkansas. The two of them were world travelers. In his leisure time, Ralph enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and reading.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah, of the home; by a son, Randy A. Coston and his wife, Denice of Searcy; a daughter, Allison Coston Elliott of Warren; grandsons, Zeke Coston (Leigh Ann), and Lance Elliott (Monica); great-grandchildren, Ethan Coston, Elijah “Eli” Coston, and Sophia Ruth Elliott.
Ralph was also preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Coston and William Royce Coston.
His funeral will be held on Monday afternoon at 2 p.m., July 10, 2023, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home in Malvern, with Brother Travis Lane officiating, and Gary Laney delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in Magnet Cove Cemetery. A visitation will precede the service by one hour, beginning at 1 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.
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