William Ragsdale

William E. “Bill” Ragsdale, 88, of Independence, MO died Oct. 16, 2010. Services will be 10 am, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO; interment with Full Military Honors to follow at Floral Hills Cemetery. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. The family suggests contributions to the Drumm Farm Foundation, 3210 Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, MO 64055.
Bill was born July 16, 1922 in Kansas City, MO. After graduation from East High School, he earned a degree from Findley Engineering College. He founded the William Ragsdale Co., a steel fabricating and erecting firm in 1976 and remained active in operations until his death. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WW II. Bill was a member of the Countryside Golf Club in Naples, FL and served on the Independence Chamber of Economic Development, which developed the Truman Road Industrial Park. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by five brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years Barbara Ragsdale, of the home; sons Jeff Ragsdale and wife Julie, Independence, MO; John Ragsdale and wife Betsy, Lake Oswego, OR; grandchildren Kelly, Katie, Braden, Daniel and Mathew.