Blair "Richard" Ragan

Blair “Richard” Ragan, age 79, of Albia, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Albia, under the care of EveryStep Hospice. Richard was born June 15, 1943, at home in Tyrone to Blair “Buss” and Ollie (Kellogg) Ragan. He grew up attending school and graduated from the Albia High School with the class of 1962. On July 29, 1983, he was united in marriage to Lillian “Rose” Carlson in Illinois. Richard and Rose shared 39 years of marriage prior to his passing. In his younger years, Richard worked at the King Theatre in Albia, starting out as an usher and working into the Assistant Manager position. He then went to work at Gambles in Centerville before moving to Illinois where he worked for Burgess-Norton Manufacturing Company until his retirement in 1995. Richard was an avid race fan who enjoyed all types of racing, whether attending or watching on television. He often took his family to races in Wisconsin, Ohio and Iowa. He had many favorite drivers, including Dick Trickle, Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin, Jack Haudenschild, and Danny Lasoski. Richard enjoyed being outdoors, vegetable gardening, and picking up walnuts to feed the squirrels. He had a great love for horses and riding and owned many throughout his lifetime. Richard enjoyed Westerns and reading Louis L’Amour books. He and Rose also enjoyed traveling. He was very caring, loving and generous, willing to help take care of many family members, close friends, and neighbors. Richard is survived by his wife, Lillian “Rose” Ragan; his children, John (Ligita) Ragan, Sharon (Chris) Dickenson, Victoria Pae, Bill (Allison) Carlson, Muriel Carlson, Greg (Cindy) Carlson, Doug Carlson, and Brian (Diana) Carlson; 25 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren; and 3 siblings, Rita (David) Bell, Raymond (Beverly) Ragan, and Anna (Jimmy) Graham. Richard is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Blair and Ollie Ragan and 2 brothers, Edward Ragan and John Michael Ragan in infancy. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Richard's family present to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Roger Henry officiating. Burial will follow services in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Georgetown. Memorials have been established to the King Theatre in Albia or St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Georgetown.

Blair "Richard" Ragan

June 15, 1943 - December 3, 2022