Francis Ragsdale
Highland | Save
Francis Joseph "Bud" Ragsdale, age 94 of Highland, IL, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Highland Health Care Center in Highland, IL.
He was born on Thursday, September 17, 1931, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Nevin Ragsdale and Elizabeth (nee Gricus) Brinkmeier.
On Saturday, April 11, 1953, he married Norma J. Ragsdale (nee Quinn) in St. Louis, Missouri, who survives.
Bud was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up there. He graduated from Beaumont High School and that’s where he also met his wife, Norma. After high school, Bud went to work for Laclede Gas as an inspector and was there for 40+ years until he retired. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic church and a devout catholic.
Bud was a sports fan. He played softball well into his 60s. He loved all sports and had an amazing memory; he could recall stats all the way from Babe Ruth’s baseball time. He loved talking about football, hockey, and all sports in general with his grandsons. His favorite baseball team was the Boston Red Sox. His greatest passion was teasing his kids, grandkids and great grandkids!
Survivors include:
- Wife - Norma J. Ragsdale, nee Quinn, Highland, IL
- Daughter - Kathleen (Michael) Benoist, Saint Louis, MO
- Daughter - Patricia (Lou) Brown, Highland, IL
- Son - Michael (Ellen) Ragsdale, St. Charles, MO
- Son - Kevin Ragsdale, Florissant, MO
- Son - Timothy (Kathryn) Ragsdale, Brighton, IL
Grandchildren – Mike, Brian (Amanda), Kerry (Rob), Jack (Kylee), Meghan (Tom), Patrick (Leah), Katie (Chad), Molly (Matt), Sarah (Jack), Madeline (Mike), Kevin (Emily), Daniel (Rachel), Kristin (Joe), Kelly (Rudy), Eddie (Brooklyn), Noah, Emmaly (Hunter) and Nic; Great Grandchildren – 29; Great Great Grandchild - 1
He was preceded in death by:
- Father - Nevin G. Ragsdale
- Mother - Elizabeth T. Ragsdale, nee Gricus
- Brother - William (Pat) Brinkmeier
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Fr. Pat G. Jakel, Pastor, St. Paul Catholic Church, officiating.
Interment will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Masses at St. Paul.
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home
