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Elmer Kelton Obituary
Myrtis Loudermilk, a director at Johnson's Funeral Home in San Angelo, told The Associated Press that Kelton died Saturday of natural causes.
Kelton wrote 62 fiction and nonfiction books. "The Good Old Boys" was made into a 1995 TV movie starring Jones for the TNT cable network. Kelton also was known for "The Man Who Rode Midnight" and "The Time It Never Rained."
His first novel, "Hot Iron," was published in 1956, and he recently finished his last book, "Texas Standoff," due out next year. Another novel, "Other Men's Horses," will be released this fall.
The Western Writers of America voted Kelton "Best Western Author of All Time" and gave him its Spur Award seven times. Four of his books won the Western Heritage Award from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Born in Crane, Kelton grew up on the McElroy Ranch in west Texas. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 and saw combat in Europe during World War II.
He earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin and spent 15 years as the farm and ranch writer-editor for the San Angelo Standard-Times. He also worked as an editor for Sheep and Goat Raiser Magazine and Livestock Weekly, from which he retired in 1990.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church in San Angelo.
Kelton is survived by his wife, Ann, and three children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elmer Kelton
Harry Simpson
August 22, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Elmer, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Jo Cotton
March 4, 2012
I was introduced to Elmer Kelton's novels by a friend who knew I likeds westerns. I didn't learn of his death until several years later. I have read every one of his books I can find in the libraries here. Sorry there will be no more. My very belated sympythies to his family.
John (Doc) Kieckbusch
September 26, 2009
Thank you for the many hours of pleasure you given me. I have read and possess nearly all of your novels.
It is a sad day for us all with your passing. I am a retired school administrator and Montana cowboy. I could understand and relate to Elmer's language.
Thank you for the memories gained.
Bryan Linch
September 16, 2009
I greatly enjoy Mr. Kelton's books. The characters in his books reveal the good character of the man writing them. I regret never having met Mr. Kelton in person in this life, but am looking forward to doing so in the next.
Mark Rabb
August 28, 2009
To Mr. Elmer Kelton,
Who is deserving of the respect and gratitude of many others, as well as the hereby tendered ones of Mark Rabb.
Raelyn Leifeste
August 27, 2009
The Texas Book Festival is where I first saw Elmer Kelton in person and heard him speak. There were others from West Texas with him that day and I was reminded of my own heritage. He emphasized that he had worked as a journalist most of his life while writing his novels. This was, I think, was his way of guiding developing writers in the audience. What a gift to give! He will be missed by so many.
john kruse
August 25, 2009
We are all richer for Mr Kelton's writings.My sincere condolences to his family. Que vaya con Dios!
Bruce Kelton
August 25, 2009
I am a distant relative to this great Author. My grand father was William White Kelton. I had just written a email to Elmer Kelton on his book Email. So very sorry about this real author passing.
Marion Alsup
August 24, 2009
My dad grew up on a ranch near Midland. We had many disagreements about politics through the years, but one thing we agreed on: we both LOVED anything written by Elmer Kelton! I'm so sad to see him go.
Milton Wilson
August 24, 2009
I met Elmer Kelton in Austin, Texas and he autographed one of his books for me. I liked him as a person and have read most all of his books. My sympathy to his wife and family.
Charles Blankenship
August 24, 2009
Elmer was one of the self-effacing gentleman whom I ever had the privilege of meeting. At the Texas Book Festival in 2007 I finally got to the front of a very long line of people getting books signed. I had two copies of The Time it Never Rained, one hardcover and one softcover. After signing the first one, I handed him the second copy. He paused for a moment, looked up and said "you know they end the same".
My sympathies to his family.
Charles Blankenship
San Marcos, Texas
August 24, 2009
Elmer was a gifted writer and wonderful person. We will miss him dearly.
Kirk and Elizabeth Kelton, Raleigh NC
Beth and Stephen Lodge
August 24, 2009
God Bless You, Elmer. You were a wonderful human being.
August 24, 2009
One of my most favored authors. Had the pleasure of meeting him at one of his book signing event. Have all of his books and enjoyed each one. My heartfelt blessings to each family member. We have lost a treasure..
Charles Stanford
Wade David
August 24, 2009
Dear Kelton Family,
I am sadden to learn of Mr. Kelton's death as he is one of my favorite western writers. I was privileged to communicate with him when he was a regular customer of my Classic Video Service westerns and serials. I know he enjoyed them, and it comforts me to think that perhaps some of those videos are among his remains. He will be missed by everyone who knew him and love his writings. You are in my prayers, and I wish you the best in the wake of your tremendous loss.
Doyle & Margie Lawrence
August 23, 2009
We did not know him personally only through his books. He was the best. So sorry to hear of his passing.
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