Joseph Ragan , February 28, 1923 — November 17, 2018

Joseph “Joe” Ragan, age 95, of Prospect, passed away peacefully early Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the VNA Inpatient Hospice, Butler. Born February 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. From 1941 to 1946 he faithfully served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force during WWII 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 was always willing to extend a helping hand to family and friends. He will be remembered for building many homes in the area, where he would just be proud for getting families moved in.

He left a lasting impression in many peoples’ lives through his integrity honesty and loyalty. His happiest moments where 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. Survived by his loving wife Gertrude Helen McGowan Ragan, who he married November 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; 9 grandchildren: Brenda Hohn, Tim (Kathy) Ragan, Jeff Ragan, Debra Ragan, Carrie (Brian) Whitmer, Troy Morris, Jared Ragan, Gina McKinney, and Clayton McKinney; 2 step grandsons Lewis (Lea) Space and Dale Space; 6 Great Grandchildren: Aleena Hohn, Gavin Hohn, Nathan Ragan, Ashley Ragan, Noah Whitmer, Sophis Whitmer; 3 step great granddaughters Summer (Dave) Ekis, Sondra (Brian) Davenport, Justina (Weston) Cesa; 6 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.

Visitation will be Tuesday, 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Edward L Raisley Funeral Home, 387 Main Street, Prospect. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 10am, at St Christopher at the Lake Roman Catholic Church, 229 N Franklin Street, Prospect, with Father Steve Neff, officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Burial Estates, Butler.

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