Kenneth Wayne Ragsdale

Services: Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Monday, March 11, at The Baptist Home in Ozark, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until service time. Burial will be at later date in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield.  Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.

Memorial donations may be made to The Baptist Home, Ozark.

Rev. Kenneth Wayne Ragsdale, 81, of Ozark died Thursday, March 7, 2019.  He was born May 8, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Clarence Steven and Katherine Leone (Todd) Ragsdale.  He became a Christian at an early age, and was active in Royal Ambassadors and Campus Crusade for Christ.  

He attended Hannibal LaGrange College, William Jewell College, and received his bachelor’s degree in music from Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar.  On June 13, 1959, he and Betty Jane Schaefer were united in marriage.

He served his country in the U.S. Army as a chaplain’s assistant, stationed in Germany for most of his service time. 

Kenneth followed his calling and became a minister of music and youth, and he ministered for 58 years. Prior to his retirement in 2001, he and Betty served at First Baptist Church in Blue Springs, First Baptist Church in Bolivar, First Baptist Church in Joplin, First Baptist Church in Ellisville, and he continued to minister into retirement.

Ken was a charter member of the 100-voice men’s choir “The CenturyMen” and traveled with them through the U.S., Brazil, China, and Russia.

After retirement, he and Betty took their camper on many adventures. Kenneth loved the outdoors. He loved hiking and camping with his family in the mountains of Colorado, bird watching and swimming. He enjoyed classical music, automobiles, airplanes, and taking afternoon drives in the country.

Kenneth always had time for others, counseling and helping anyone in need. His smile and laughter were contagious, making others laugh. Ken was a “people person.” He didn’t know a stranger and always tried to make others feel welcome.

Survivors include: His wife of 60 years, Betty who resides at The Baptist Home in Ozark; four children, Bradley Ragsdale of Pacific, Missouri, Susanne Matheson (Jim) of Fairborn, Ohio, Scott Ragsdale (Kerri) of Raytown, Missouri, and Christine Conley (Chris) of Bolivar; grandchildren: Bradley Ragsdale, Michael Matheson, Joshua Matheson, Jeremy Ragsdale, Brandon Ragsdale, Rachel Mincy, Allison Johnston, Joshua Ragsdale, Sara Matheson, April Troll, Austin Troll, Ethan Conley, Cameron Troll, Ryan Conley, and Trevor Conley; his siblings: Keith Ragsdale (Joy); and sister, Patricia Absheer (Bill); as well as many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law Dawnita Ragsdale.