WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI – It is with great sadness that we announce that our courageous Brother, William “Bill” Ragan, Nebraska Kearney ’69 passed away on April 24, 2016.

Bill was the Chapter Advisor for the Beta Chi Chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He played a pivotal role in the history and success of this chapter. Those who knew him were aware of how hard he worked and the passion that he had for the fraternity. He was selfless in his dedication to the fraternity in all aspects, including serving as a mentor, advisor, and providing financial support.

Ragan received both the Prof Grubbs Distinguished Advisor Award in 1989, and the Winebrenner Medal for Distinguished Fraternity Service in 1994, the Fraternity highest alumni award. He also held the following offices for the Sigma Tau Gamma: Foundation Trustee from 1975-1980, Foundation Executive VP from 1976-1980, and Honorary Foundation Trustee from 1993-2003.

William Charles Ragan was born on Aug. 2, 1937, in Cherryvale, Kansas, to Charles and Georgia (Baumgartner) Ragan.  Bill graduated from high school in Girard, Kansas, and briefly attended Pittsburg State University.

Ragan served as a pastor in Mason City and later in the Ansley Baptist Church. He previously served as president of the Educational Service Unit 10 Board.  He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners.  In his younger years, Bill enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Ragan is survived by his daughters, Mari and husband Steve Beck of Kearney and Maria Ragan of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two grandchildren, Jaxson and Jacob Beck of Kearney; brothers and spouses, David and Dawn Fry of St. Francis, Kansas, Michael and Erin Ragan of Leavenworth, Kansas, and John and Jennifer Ragan of Wichita, Kansas; and sisters, Becky and husband Mike Lawrence of Chanute, Kansas, and Darla Arrowsmith of Denver.  Many nephews, nieces and close friends also mourn his loss.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Georgia Ragan; stepmother, Darlene Ragan; and an infant sister, Leslie Ragan.

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About Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity:
Founded by veterans of World War I in Warrensburg, Missouri at the University of Central Missouri. On June 28, 2020, it will commemorate its 100th Anniversary. Today, there are more than 3,000 undergraduate members on 73 college/university campuses in 27 states. There are 58,560 living alumni. The Fraternity is headquartered 60 miles east of downtown Kansas City, Missouri in Warrensburg. Learn more about the fraternity online at sigmataugamma.org.