Joseph “Joe” Ragan
Joseph “Joe” Ragan, 95, of Prospect passed away peacefully early Saturday at the VNA Inpatient Hospice in Butler.
Born Feb. 28, 1923, in Butler, he was the son of the late Andrew and Sophie Godzik Ragan.
Joe at one time was a very active member of St. Christopher at the Lake Roman Catholic Church of Prospect. He was a part of the first parish council, was a longtime usher and was instrumental in the construction and repairs of the church and rectory.
From 1941 to 1946, he faithfully served his country as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, where he served as a nose gunner flying 51 missions. He was awarded the Air Medal, Oak Leaf Clusters Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal.
He worked at Johns Manville and Castle Rubber, where he met his wife, Gertrude McGowan, before becoming a general contractor and farmer.
He will be remembered for building many homes in the area and he was always willing to extend a helping hand to family and friends, no matter what the task at hand.
He left a lasting impression in many peoples' lives through his integrity, honesty and loyalty.
His happiest moments were spent with his family, enjoying home-cooked meals and sharing stories on the front porch. He was deeply cared for and loved by his family. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and farming.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gertrude Helen McGowan Ragan, whom he married Nov. 5, 1949; his five children he raised with his devoted wife, Joe A. (Sue) Ragan, Helen (Sonny) Morris, Don (Kelly) Ragan, Jim (Patty) Ragan and Bev (Scott) McKinney, all of Prospect; nine grandchildren, Brenda Hohn, Tim (Kathy) Ragan, Jeff Ragan, Debra Ragan, Carrie (Brian) Whitmer, Troy Morris, Jared Ragan, Gina McKinney and Clayton McKinney; two step-grandsons, Lewis (Lea) Space and Dale Space; six great-grandchildren, Aleena Hohn, Gavin Hohn, Nathan Ragan, Ashley Ragan, Noah Whitmer and Sophia Whitmer; three step-great-granddaughters, Summer (Dave) Ekis, Sondra (Brian) Davenport and Justina (Weston) Cesa; six step-great-great-grandchildren, Westyn, Kennedy and Presley Foster, Lily Ekis, Annabelle and Cooper Cesa; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six siblings.
RAGAN — Visitation for Joseph “Joe” Ragan, who died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Edward L. Raisley Funeral Home, 387 Main St., Prospect.A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Christopher at the Lake Roman Catholic Church, 229 N. Franklin St., Prospect, with the Rev. Steve Neff officiating.Interment will be in Greenlawn Burial Estates, Butler.More information available at www.raisleyfuneralhome.com.
