Darrel K. Ratliff Obituary (1954 - 2015)

Darrel K. Ratliff, 61, of Madisonville, KY, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2015 at his mother's house in Madisonville. He was born May 11, 1954 in Madisonville to the late James D. Ratliff and Nora Howton Ratliff of Madisonville. Darrel was well known as the "Kounty Kobbler" for his shoe repair shop on Center Street in Madisonville. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Known as Kent to his family, and Darrel to his classmates and later, his public, he became a well-respected radio disc-jockey for local station, WTTL. Kent was active in Boys Scouts of America and as an advocate for Kidney Dialysis, where he traveled to Washington, D.C. and spoke individually to congressmen to lobby for the support of dialysis. As with his business and other endeavors, he truly enjoyed the opportunity to help others. He is survived by his mother, Nora L. Ratliff; one sister, Linda Lou (Mike) Gantt of Franklin, TN; two uncles, Cylde H. Ratliff and George (Fay) Howton; three nieces and nephews, Gabriel Baxter Gantt, Rebecca Lynn (Stephen) Wood, and Christopher Michael Gantt all of Franklin; great nephew, Tristan James Wood, and several cousins. Funeral service will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, September 24, 2013 at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Madisonville. Visitation will be 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday and after 1:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund. Envelopes will be made available at the funeral home.