Jackie "Jack" Douglas Ragsdale (92) of Wheeler

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Published on November 14 2019 7:20 am

Jackie “Jack” Douglas Ragsdale, age 92, of Wheeler, Illinois, passed away at 10:28 AM Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services celebrating Jack’s life will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, November 16 at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with Brother Rick Britton officiating. Burial will be in the Kibler Cemetery in rural Newton, Illinois, with full military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the funeral home. In loving memory of Jack, memorials may be made to the Fairview Christian Church or Oblong Children’s Home. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.

Jack was born on May 2, 1927, in Wheeler, Illinois, the son of Arthur Dale “Bugs” and Carla (Kibler) Ragsdale. He proudly joined the United States Navy on January 6, 1945, serving during WWII and was called back to duty in 1951, serving as a Metalsmith G Third Class. He married Mary Elyn Wigall on December 31, 1949, in Newton, Illinois.

Jack worked for P.O. Baker Grain Bin company for many years. He later became chief Deputy Sheriff of Jasper County and retired after many years of service. Jack was also a lifelong farmer, woodworker and carpenter. In 2002, Jack proudly completed his education earning his GED. 

Jack was a member of the Fairview Christian Church and a 75 year member of the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. Jack had a love for raising Appaloosa horses and was a member of the HiHo Silver saddle club. Jack enjoyed fishing, woodworking, dancing and spending time with his grandchildren.

Jack is survived by: Wife of 69 years – Mary Elyn Ragsdale of Wheeler, Illinois; Children – Diana Groves of Newton, Illinois; Doug Ragsdale of Newton, Illinois and Jackie (Shawn) Ohnesorge of Dieterich, Illinois; Grandchildren – Daina (Brent) Lewis, Amanda (Kenny) Fritcher, Bryan Groves (Courtney Eaton), Cayce Groves, Erica “Chuck” Groves, Mikka (Danny) Kellerman, Ariel (Justin) Gasaway, Carly Ohnesorge and Ty Ohnesorge; 13 Great Grandchildren.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Rick Groves, daughter-in-law Dana Ragsdale, sisters Elizabeth Moshenrose and Helen Heaton, great-grandchildren Stormy Joliff and Dylan Lewis, niece Mary Jane Mattingly, and nephew Charlie Moshenrose.