Robert (Ralph) Kurtright, 94 of Albany passed away Thursday, January 22, 2009 at an Albany nursing home. Ralph, the son of Joseph and Cecelia (Ellis) Kurtright was born August 19, 1914 in Evona, Missouri. He was one of nineteen children born. In 1932, Ralph graduated from Albany High School. Ralph attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, where he graduated with his degree in 1948, then received his Master's Degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1954. On March 6, 1942, he was united in marriage to Florine Norris Bowen in Columbia, South Carolina. Ralph and Florine enjoyed 48 1/2 years of marriage before her death in 1989. He was also preceded in death by his parents, seventeen siblings, Arena Kimmell, Edna Myers, Josephine Gould, Dollie Davison, Jim Kurtright, Wilma Saunders, Ellie & Allie (twins), Martin & Myrtle (twins) and John Kurtright; two half-sisters, Hattie Steele and Mabel Freed; half-brother Volorious Kurtright and three half infant siblings. In 1989, Ralph and his brother Joe were among individuals inducted into Northwest Missouri State University's M-Club Athletic Hall Of Fame. They were inducted for their participation on the undefeated 1938 and 1939 MIAA championship Bearcat football teams. During his football career, Ralph had the honor of being the number three kicker in the nation. Several games were won from his kicking ability, therefore he was given the nickname of "the man with the educated toe." After 31 years of service with the Missouri Army National Guard, Ralph retired with the rank of Major. He also served in the Army with the 78th Division in Germany during World War II, receiving the Bronze Star for Bravery during the Battle of Remagen Bridge. During Ralph's tenure at the Albany RIII School District, he taught Industrial Arts, Physical Education, coached all sports, football, basketball, track and was C.O.E. Coordinator. During his last 13 years he served as High School Principal. He was a member of the Albany United Methodist Church and sang in the church choir and the community chorus. He was a member of the Albany Country Club, American Legion and VFW. Ralph officiated basketball and football at both the high school and college levels throughout Northwest Missouri.