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11/02/15 Ramer Obit |
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The Fordyce Chamber of Commerce recently awarded Cordy A. Ramer, known to most as C.A. Ramer, with the community service award for his service above and beyond the call of duty to the City of Fordyce. Ramer died Saturday at the Green House Cottages of Southern Hills in Rison at the age of 95. After attending college, Ramer worked in an aircraft factory until 1942 when he enlisted in the Army Air Force. C.A. Was trained and qualified to be a bombardier during World War II. He was assigned to the 8th Air Force, 100th Bomb Group, 350th Bomb Squadron, located in Thorpe Abbots, England. On July 29, 1944, on his 29th mission, they were bombing oil refineries at Messerberg, Germany, his plane was hit by German fighter planes and shot down. Six on board lost their lives and the remaining four had to parachute at 25,000 feet. He was captured and spent nine months in a German prison camp. After his military discharge, C.A. Taught school and eventually got a master's degree in Ag Education. He became employed by the U of A Extension service where in 1955 was appointed Extension Service Staff Chairman for Dallas County. He retired in 1983 and was awarded a Professor Emeritus status from U of A in 1995. He was a member of Farm Bureau for more than 50 years and board member over 25 years. He assisted the Dallas County Fair Association for more than 50 years and a building on the fairgrounds in named in his honor, C.A. Ramer Exhibit Hall. He was a long time member of the Fordyce Lions Club. He and his wife, the former Evelyn McGarity of Lonoke just celebrated their 72nd anniversary. The family will receive friends Thursday from 10am until service time at First Baptist Church in Fordyce. Funeral services are at 11 at First Baptist with Reverend Rusty Ross officiating. Burial at 3pm Thursday at Plumerville Cemetery in Plumerville with Reveren Bill Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church in Fordyce. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. |