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Edward Ragsdale Obituary
Ft. Lauderdale, FL - It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Dr. Edward Ragsdale, after losing his short but courageous battle with cancer on March 10, 2024, with his three children by his side.
Ed was well known in the community of Alton, Illinois, where he lived and worked for more than 50 years. He was a doctor, politician, farmer, proud veteran and a friend to many. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on March 24, 1939, graduated #1 in his class from the University of Arkansas and went on to attend Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, where he specialized in radiology. In 1968, he married Meredith (Smith) of Kirkwood, Missouri, and joined the Air Force, where he served in active duty until 1970.
Ed and Meredith moved to Alton in 1970, where Ed joined the staff of Alton Memorial Hospital. One of the longest serving doctors to ever work at the hospital, Ed became the chairman of the Department of Radiology. He was medical director of Twin Rivers MRI Center and was active in the County and State Medical Societies as a frequent speaker and advocate. In 2017, Ed was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from Alton Memorial Hospital.
Ed also worked hard in Republican politics, serving as Madison County Chairman from 1976-1994 and Alton-Godfrey-Foster chairman from 1995-2016. He was elected to be a Ronald Reagan delegate to the Republican National Convention in both 1980 and 1984.
As much as Ed loved medicine and politics, his true passion might have been his 160-acre cattle farm. Ed loved fishing, duck hunting, traveling, camping and nature, and was a proud Eagle Scout.
Ed is now reunited in heaven with his parents, Floyd and Elizabeth Ragsdale. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Meredith. He is also survived by his three children: Lynda Davey, Alan Ragsdale and Phillip Ragsdale, his son-in-law Tim Davey and daughter-in-law Samantha Ragsdale; his four grandchildren: Sam Davey, Sara Davey, Ava Ragsdale and Tucker Ragsdale; his sister Ellen Ann Hopkins; and his 3 nephews: Jonathan, Beau and Cabell Hopkins.
Ed lived a high-impact life. He was a proud patriot and will be dearly missed by his family, friends, members of his church, and the community he loved.
Visitation: April 6th from 9:30 - 11am St. Mary's Catholic Church 519 E 4th St, Alton, IL 62002
Funeral Mass: April 6th at 11am St. Mary's Catholic Church 519 E 4th St, Alton, IL 62002
Celebration of Life: April 6th from 12:30 - 3:30pm Lovejoy Wedding and Banquet Center 401 Piasa Street, Alton, IL 62002.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society in Ed's name. https:// donate.cancer.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Ragsdale
4 Entries
marcus waters
March 25, 2024
Everyone loved Dr Ragsdale. If he saw something interesting on an X-Ray he'd grab the nearest XR Technologist into his reading & show & teach us. He was one of the finest!!!
John Venardos
March 25, 2024
Dear Meredith,
Ann and I were so sad to learn of Ed's passing. We greatly valued and enjoyed our friendship with you both when we were living in Alton and working with Ed in Ronald Reagan's 1980 and 1984 Presidential campaigns.
Ed ably led the Madison County GOP and was a beacon for conservative principles.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John and Ann Venardos
Boise, Idaho
Judy Craig RN
March 25, 2024
My heart sank when I saw Dr. Ragsdales obituary. I'm so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure to work with Dr. Ragsdale for about 10 years total in Radiology. Actually it was my 1st RN job. He was always happy to teach anyone that was willing to listen. I loved it when the patients physician came down to speak with him about the case and he always made sure I understood the case to include what the treatment would be.
He always had a smile on his face and in his heart. He loved to laugh. My favorite memory of him was when Meredith called and told me it was his birthday and instructed me to "get him". There was no way I was going to let her down, and I definitely "got him". I decorated his reading room to extreme. Lol. It was an honor to work with Dr. Ragsdale. Rest easy my friend. I will never forget you.
Dr Peter Malench
March 25, 2024
My condolences to the Ragsdale family. I had the pleasure and honor to work with Ed at Alton Memorial. An astute clinician, and always pleasant demeanor through the years.
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