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.
