Ralph Kingsley Almquist, 72, died Aug. 6, 2008, at his home in Hutchinson.

He was born Sept. 3, 1935, at Larned, to Oscar and Edna Branine Almquist. Ralph was a Hutchinson area resident since 1972 and was a member of First Christian Church.

He was in the Air Force where he became a Drill Instructor. After he was honorably discharged in 1959, he was a police officer in Pampa, Texas; Captain of Detectives in Great Bend, where he was named Officer of the Year; Chief of Police, Hoisington; Sergeant on the Reno County Sheriff Dept. and then Deputy Sheriff with the Rice County Sheriff Dept. until retiring in 1980. He was manager of the Flag and South Hutch Drive Inn Theaters; General Manager of the Cinema Twin, Mall 4 and Mall 8 Theaters until 2004. He received Hutchinson's "Unsung Hero" award on May 2, 2000.

Ralph had a lifelong dedication to children. He was a Cub and Boy Scout leader; District Scouting Commissioner; Camp Kanza Director; Vigil Order of the Arrow recipient; earned the Silver Beaver Award which is the highest award an adult leader can receive. He was an Eagle Scout and was member of the Masonic Lodge.

He married Barbara "Bobbie" Bullard on Sept. 3, 1957, in Pampa, Texas. She survives. Other survivors include: two sons, Bruce and Candi Almquist, Inman; Bryan and Diana Almquist, Nickerson; five grandchildren, Terry, Tyler, Ryan, Ashley and Taylor Almquist.

Funeral service will be Saturday, Aug. 9, Elliott Chapel at 1 p.m. with Pastor John Warring presiding. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. until the service time Saturday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Larned Cemetery, with McConnell Air Force Honor Guard honors.

Memorials may be given to Hospice Care of Kansas or Boy Scouts of America, in care of Elliott Mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave personal condolences for the family.