The Lord called John David Ragan home on August 21, 2023. A Memorial Service will be held October 3 at Christ United Methodist Church in Independence at 10 AM, with a visitation at 9:30.
David is survived by Ann Ragan, loving wife of 51 years; son Phil Bennett and wife Kirsten; grandchildren Trevor, Laurel, and Tristan Bennett and his wife Amy; niece Ellen Ragan, her husband Mark Allen, their children McKinley Allen and Ragan Archer and her husband Max; niece Janice Lopez and son Mark Lopez; and Markus Preissler.
David graduated from the University of Kansas in 1965 in Architecture, and served in the Army as a Captain in the Ordnance Corps. As an architect, David was on the design team of many projects, notably Bartle Hall, One Kansas City Place and the Folly Theater renovation in Kansas City, as well as the Seattle Seahawks football stadium.
David’s life was characterized by service to the community. He was a Boy Scout leader and Commissioner, and hosted AFS international exchange students including Markus who has been family for 43 years. He served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity in Eastern Jackson County, and was a long-time supporter and President of the City of Independence Sister City program with Higashimurayama in Japan. David also was a volunteer docent at both the National Frontier Trails and Chicago-Alton Railroad museums in Independence, teaching hundreds of students these aspects of American History.
As a humble servant of the Lord, David took leadership roles in Trinity Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, and Christ United Methodist Churches in Independence, where he also donated architectural design to facility upgrades over a 50-year span.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations supporting School of Architecture and Design Scholarships (04831), which he supported. Donations can be made to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow.
David’s spirit lives on in his family, the people he touched, and through his works.
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A wonderful neighbor and a friend to everyone in Scouting.
I am honored to have known David and Ann through chance acquaintance and then our own friendship. He was always kind and patient… then flashed that smile when I had the project “just right”. He will be missed.
Dear Ann, I am so sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. He had a special way of making people feel happy to be his friend.
Jeff and I are sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. John and Shirley really enjoyed your friendship.
I was so sorry to hear at church Sunday about Dave’s passing. You are in my prayers, as are all the family. – Pastor Dave🙏
We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Sincere condolences to all his family.
We were so sorry to hear of David’s passing and will be praying for Ann and the rest of his family. Both David and Ann have been a great part of our Sunday School class for several years. We enjoyed getting to know them.
We are heartbroken. Dave was a beautiful soul. We loved talking architecture with him. The Summer Exchange pool parties were epic with the Japanese students. He will be in our hearts forever.
David was a very congenial person. We became much more acquainted through a trip together to the Holy Land. He was a valuable member of the Journeymen Class and of Christ United Methodist Church. He will be missed. Our condolences to Ann and all the members of the family.
Our sadness and condolences for the family, and especially Ann. We came to know both thru our participation in the Journeyman Class @ Christ and a delightful trip to Israel. So many of us will miss Dave’s warmth.
Dave was such a gentle soft spoken man. We considered ourselves blessed to have known Dave and call him and Ann friends. We shared our faith, meals, Bible study and worship.
Our prayers are with Ann and family at this time. Gods grace and peace be with you.