Ed Ragsdale named Daily Journal Citizen of the Year

DESLOGE — A standing ovation greeted Greg Ragsdale and Cub Ragsdale as they accepted the Daily Journal Desloge Citizen of the Year on behalf of the late Ed Ragsdale. The award was given Saturday night as part of the Desloge Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet held at the Mineral Area Elks Lodge.

Greg is the son of Ed Ragsdale while Cub is the grandson of the legendary Raider football announcer. Ed Ragsdale announced home games for the North County Raiders for 40 years.

When he started, Ed was the field announcer for middle school, freshman, junior varsity and varsity games — away and home. That became a little much for him and his voice, so his wife convinced him to cut back.

Ed said at the time he didn’t know about talking into a microphone but he’d give it a try. “I’ve been trying for 40 years,” he said in an interview prior to his death. “I’m going to get it right one of these days.”

He was the announcer when his sons, Greg (Bunsy) and Doug (Bear) played. He proudly said Greg was the first North County All State football player.

Even after his kids were out of school, Ed continued to spend his Friday nights each fall at Raider field. He said he would continue to be the announcer as long as the kids like it and he can climb the stairs.

Ed served in the US Navy on the U.S.S. Shields off the coast of Korea; was a member of the Desloge First Baptist Church; Elvins Ionic Lodge #154 A.F. & A.M.; was owner and operator of Ragsdale Core Drilling for 30 plus years; 2008 Grand Marshall of North County Homecoming Parade; spent 20 years with the Department of Natural Resources; was voice of the Raider Football for more than 40 years; loved to hunt and fish and was a charter member of Briarwood Fishing Classic for the last 25 years.

The community as a whole suffered a great loss when Ed passed away on Nov. 19 at the age of 77.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Leanna, his two sons, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Several other awards were also given out at the event. The Desloge Chamber of Commerce presented the Super Service Award to the Desloge City Hall, the Desloge Street Department, the Desloge Police Department and the Desloge Fire Department. KFMO/ B104 presented the Sweat Equity Award to Galen Roberts.

The Desloge Chamber of Commerce presented the Elite Service Award to Rick Kaeser. KTJJ/ KREI gave the 110 Percent Award to Rick Ellis. The Desloge Chamber of Commerce presented the Business Leader of the Year Award to Avery Stricklin. The Desloge Chamber of Commerce presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to the Desloge Library Board.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.