David E. Ratchford, a Conway, Arkansas resident, died Sunday, January 15 in Texas after ongoing health problems.  He was 81.

David was born May 2, 1935 in Baker, Arkansas.  He was the eldest son of a six-child family whose mother and father were the late Madge Horton Ratchford and Carl Ratchford.

David's older sister, Carlene Ratchford Gilliland predeceases. He is survived by his son, Jeffery Scott Ratchford, and daughter Jennifer Ratchford Sholtis (Arthur); granddaughters Stephanie Ratchford Spear, Tabitha Ratchford, and Alex Sholtis; sister Nancy Ratchford Moore (David); brothers Joel Ratchford, Bob Ratchford (Kaye), Kenny Ratchford (Beth); brother-in-law Bill Gilliland and aunt, Wilma Ratchford; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service for David will be held at the First Christian Church in Marshall, Arkansas on February 18 at 10 a.m.