Gene Ragsdale

Gene Ragsdale (Rags), 82, passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2018. No services are planned at this time. A memorial and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Gene was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Ramon D. Ragsdale and Helen G. Grubbs on December 23, 1936. He graduated from Guthrie High School in 1950. He was still very close to his classmates only missing on reunion in November of this year. He joined the Army National Guard in 1953 and separated in 1962 as Sgt. 1st Class.

In 1956 he married Janis Branch to which one son was born Gene Mark Ragsdale in 1965. They later divorced and in 1973 he married Cathy Leigh. They would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on December 29th. Gene was the Public information Director for Civil Defense for 10 years a Radio announcer and news man for 25 years, the election board secretary for 17 years and with the help of Rex Holt the voice of Tiger Drug commercials. Gene was a past member of Eagles, Elks and Moose lodges.

Gene’s hobbies included fishing, Indian bead work, making Christmas ornaments and writing poetry. He recently became a gourmet cook and loved cooking for friends while watching OSU sports.

Gene is survived by his wife Cathy of the home, son Mark of Los Angeles, CA, his first wife Janis Hunt of Stillwater, brother Pat Ragsdale and wife Paula of Muskogee, OK, sister Kay Theimer of Santa Fe, New Mexico and very special cousin Mary Margaret Ellis and husband Dr. Ed of Antlers, OK, as well as many wonderful friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother Helen, father Ramon, step mother Mary Lou, brother Mike and cousin Tammie Sue.

Gene will be missed by all that knew him.

Condolences can be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com.