Lester Ragan

Lester LeRoy Ragan, age 99, of Beardstown, died Sunday, October 3, 2021 at his home.

He was born September 13,1922 in Beardstown, the son of Leslie L. and Freida McClure Ragan. He married Ruth Imogene Avery in1940, and she proceeded him in death on April 19, 1985.

He is survived by four children Larry LeRoy (wife Virginia) Ragan of Gladstone MO, Delores Colleen (husband Wesley) Tollefson of Ottawa IL, Steven Dudely (wife Patricia) Ragan of Tyler, TX, and Michael David Ragan of Beardstown; eleven grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a brother Gene Ragan, and sister Colleen Ragan.

Lester grew up in Beardstown, IL and was active in sports in his years at Beardstown High School. He served during WWII in the United States Navy as a Seabee and received several medals.

On his return home he went to work for Burlington Northern Santa Fe. He retired as an officer in the BNSF Railroad after creating humpyards in Chicago, Kansas City, and Minneapolis.

Private family graveside services will be held at Mound Grove Cemetery in Independence, MO. There will be no visitation. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239 in Beardstown. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.