Edwin Ragan Jr

Edwin “Ed” Ragan, retired Chief Master Sergeant (CMSGT USAF), passed away on June 8th, 2013 at the home from congestive heart failure. Visitation will be from 12:30-2 pm, Wed. June 12 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th St., Independence, MO 64055, followed by a graveside service with Full Military Honors at 2:30 pm at Green Lawn Cemetery, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, MO.
Ed was born on March 20th, 1932, in Kansas City, MO to Edwin and Frances Ragan. He was married 62 years to his high school sweetheart, Jean Wilson Ragan. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marion Noland. He is survived by his wife, Jean; his four children and their spouses, Linda (Ragan) and Jim Gray; Kathy (Ragan) and Ron Moore; Jim Ragan and Sue Antrim; and Gary and Sandy Ragan. He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Greg Martin and wife Kerri; Tom Martin (deceased) and wife Ann; Jeff Moore and partner, Mindy Prickett; Tim Moore and partner, Stephanie Weise; Ryan Ragan and wife Courtney; Zach Gray and wife Whitney; Andrew Gray; James Ragan; and Sarah Ragan and a rambunctious group of eleven great-grandchildren: Colyn, Cameron, Spencer (deceased), Meghan, Sophia, Maddie, Liz, Tom, Ellie, Alina, and Lexi. He also leaves his sister, Irma Roberts; brother, Ollie Ragan and wife, Fern; and his sister-in-law, Billie Wilson.
Ed graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1950 and immediately enlisted in armed forces. He served four years in the Navy including a tour in the Korean War. He was employed by the civil service as a mechanic, flight engineer, and supervisor of maintenance control, and did the same job as an Air Force Reservist at Richard Gebaur for 37 years. He was a man who loved and honored this country. Ed was a sports enthusiast, especially when it came to the Chiefs and the Royals. He coached his children in youth softball and basketball games. His joy for many years was officiating baseball, softball, basketball, and football. Later in life, he was delegated to officiating from the sidelines while watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's baseball, football, basketball, soccer games and dance recitals. He was a devout Christian man and an active charter member of Rockwood Baptist Church established in 1941. He served his church as a teacher, usher, and was a member of several committees including building and finance. He loved his church family. Ed spent many days at the Sermon and Palmer Centers playing cards.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Honor Flight, Inc. 300 E Auburn Ave, Springfield, OH 45505-4703 or Wounded Warriors Project PO Box 758516 Topeka KS in his memory. Honor Flight transports America's Veterans to Washington DC to visit memorials dedicated to their honored service and sacrifices. The Wounded Warriors mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors of the United States Armed Forces.