Elmer Earl Ragan

Earl Ragan, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and the strongest of his family, passed away on September 20, 2026 at the age of 79.

Born on October 8,1946 in Vienna, Missouri, he lived a life that left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

Our dad, grandfather/great-grandfather, was strong. He was tough. He always gave the best advice to us all when things were difficult for us as well.

He did not always need a lot of words to make his point - "you got that", "get straight", "let me talk to you for a minute", you always knew where he stood, and you know, that when he cared about you, he loved you with little words.

This is a powerful legacy. Every one of us carries something of him with us: his strength, his stubbornness, his sense of humor, his lessons, and the love he showed in his own way.

Our Father, Earl Ragan, is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Helen Ragan; mother, Flossie Lee Ragan; father, Howard Albert Ragan; and his four brothers, Donald, Albert, Robert, and Dave Ragan.

He is survived by his sons who carry on his legacy, Earl, Jeffrey, Thomas Ragan, and Dillon Howser. Also his "TaterBug", Kristie Pepper, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dad "papa" was a tough SOB, and we say that with love and respect. He was real. He was not perfect, but none of us are. He taught us that you keep going, you stand up for yourself and family, and you do what needs to be done.

We will miss his voice, his teaching, night phone calls, his presence, and the little things that made him who he was.

We will remember him for the times we shared; playing cards, marbles, going fishing, hide and seek, grilling out, baseball, painting, Tommy's Comics, Elmers Painting Service, going to the casino, all the family get togethers, and last but not least, him in his chair, smoking a cigarette and watching cartoons! And don't forget the chocolates!

Dad, Papa, thank you for being strong when we needed strength. Thank you for the love you gave, even when you did not always say it out loud!

We love you. We miss you. You are back with mom. And we will carry you with us always. You are gone, but never forgotten!!!