Ronald D Krelstein

Ronald D. Krelstein, whose years of service as the Memphis Police Department's lawyer launched his career as one of the city's leading criminal defense attorneys, died Tuesday, February 10, at home with his beloved dog Scooby cradled in his arms.

He was 83. Ron was born in Memphis, the son of the late Harold and Rose Krelstein. As a non-athletic kid, he attended summer camp where he traded the camp's baseball diamond for the shooting range and was awarded a can of coke for each bullseye.

After the first week, Ron had a trunk full of cokes and many new friends who shared Ron's love for fun and the spoils of his skills. After graduating from Christian Brothers High School, Ron received his undergraduate degree from Christian Brothers University where he was a two-time winner of the National Collegiate Pistol Championships, earning membership in the prestigious 2600 Club in 1963, and winning the Distinguished Pistol Shot badge in 1964 as a First Team All-American.

Ron earned his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School and returned to Memphis where he established a 58-year legal career, first as the city's police legal adviser and then with his own law firm. Long-time legal friend and colleague, Richard Glassman, recalled that Ron loved trying lawsuits and loved the company of other lawyers. "Ronnie was an addict of the law. He was the No. 1 authority on contempt of court and always impressed judges with his legal knowledge." U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen was a friend of Ron since childhood and followed Ron as the city's police adviser. "As a lawyer, there wasn't a better legal mind and certainly not a sharper tongue," said Cohen. "Ronnie had a stern exterior but a heart full of love and compassion. He was a public advocate on many issues." Ron's love for the law equaled only his passion for shooting, making him one of the area's leading marksmen.

As a charter member of the National Pistol shooting team, Ron set 22 national records and three of those remain unbeaten today. He was awarded 16 international Gold Medals, including those at the Maccabi games in Israel in 1973, 1977, and 1987, and the Pan American Games in Mexico City. As the years passed, Ron turned to rifle shooting and is one of 66 people since the Civil War to qualify for the Distinguished Badge in both pistol and rifle. He was inducted into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame. He also is a member of the Christian Brothers Hall of Fame.

Ron was a member of Temple Israel and the Lawyers Journal Club of Memphis. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dr. Carol Benthall; his brother, Richard Krelstein; his loving stepmother, Arline Krelstein; and his four-legged friend, Baby Girl.

He leaves behind his sister, Karen Krelstein Latner; nieces and nephews: Alexis Fingold, Lee Krelstein, Harold Latner, Elisabeth Latner and Joseph Latner; his special companion, Joan Marie 'Jonesey' Harp; his adored four-legged furry friend, Scooby; and countless friends who admired Ron for his wit, his legal skills, and his love for service.

The family asks that you remember Ron by joining them at a memorial for Ron from 6 pm – 8 pm, Monday, February 16, at the Junior League of Memphis, 3475 Central Avenue. Or with a donation to The Savior Foundation, www.thesaviorfoundation.org, a charitable agency for animals, or to a charity of the donor's choice.